4. That hostages should be given on both sides for the fulfilment of the treaty.
And thus for the time the siege of Nauplia was at an end and the market of Nauplia began.
Selim made his offer and withdrew, but there was little need of that, for he was scarce out of the room when a whisper and a nod of perfect comprehension went round the chiefs, and being immediately recalled, he was told that his proposals were accepted.
"And I will see," said Hypsilantes, with a grand air, "that arrangements for the ships to convey you away are put in hand at once. Meantime—"
But Poniropoulos interrupted.
"May I have your highness's permission," he said, with a great hurry of politeness, "to supply the citadel with bread?"
"Certainly," said Hypsilantes, not seeing the man's meaning, "and it were well to put that too in hand at once."
But Selim was the sharper, and he leered at Poniropoulos, if a canary can be said to leer, with a twinkle of perfect comprehension in his eye.
"I doubt," chirped he, very clearly and loud, "that bread is most expensive in Nauplia."
And Poniropoulos scowled at him, for he had meant that it should be very expensive indeed.