“Shall he be a Delphian?” was the first question.
“Yes, I think so,” said old Akeretos. “Colonies are not often founded these days. It may be years before another goes out. ’Tis a rare chance to strengthen Apollo’s influence in the west.”
“Yes, yes,” chorused the priests. “A Delphian, by all means.”
Nikander’s face suddenly shone. He had wished for many a month to do some service for Karamanor and Agis in return for their honourable treatment of his poor son Lycophron. They were younger sons without means. Here was a chance to make them both rich and prominent.
“I propose Karamanor and Agis, Glaucos’s sons, as leaders of the colony,” said Nikander.
The priests discussed the two young men at length, but in the end rejected both—honest young fellows but not of calibre for this business. Then Dryas was proposed but quickly rejected. Then several other young men of Delphi. It was not easy to find a leader of the peculiar genius needed, fearless yet not quarrelsome, young yet understanding, having the statesman’s uncanny vision to discern the hidden meaning of events and their unlooked-for but inevitable resultants.
During this later discussion Timon had remained quite silent. Evidently he was thinking something through before proposal. Timon’s was the most original mind in the Council, and Nikander awaited his word with pleasure. However, amazement rather than pleasure followed it.
“O priests,” at last said Timon, “has it occurred to you that there have been women who were successful oekists of colonies?”
“Women! what nonsense, Timon. What are you joking about?”
The Council broke into puzzled laughter. For women were a perennial source of satire.