"Why, as to that, voivode, there is something to be said," he agreed. "But we saw the Franks, and their looks spelt gold, and—what would you? 'Twas a chance. Also, we thought the police would not dare to touch us here."
"That may be true," Tokalji agreed in his turn. "But there are Frank soldiers in Pera, and how if they came here to seize you?"
"But the Franks did not see us enter," said Nikka.
The girl thrust herself scornfully to the fore.
"Gabble, gabble, gabble," she mocked. "Are we old wives that we mouth over everything? These men robbed, they fled unseen, they have their loot. Foster-father, you are not so keen as you once were. Something was said of a division."
A greedy light dawned in Tokalji's eyes.
"Yes, yes," he insisted, "that is right. So you said, my lad, and if you would have shelter you must pay for it."
"So will I."
Nikka flung the money-belt, some loose change and a watch down on the ground, and squatted beside them. The rest of us did the same. The girl seized the belt, and emptied the compartments, one by one.
"English gold," she exclaimed. "This was worth taking. You are a man of judgment, friend— What is your name?"