Petrobey rose.
"My quarters are close, gentlemen," he said; "may I give you lodging and refreshment there while we consult?"
Ali and Selim accordingly withdrew, and Petrobey having conducted them to his quarters, where Yanni was charged with giving them food, returned to Kolocotrones's tent.
Already high words were passing, not on the subject of the terms of the capitulations—for that seemed to be but a secondary matter in the minds at least of Kolocotrones and Poniropoulos—but as to how the booty should subsequently be divided.
Kolocotrones was on his feet, stamping and thumping the table.
"Who was appointed commander-in-chief by the council but I?" he cried. "It is I who will take possession of Nauplia; it is I who will receive and—and distribute the booty."
Miaulis, who was seated, had hitherto taken no part in the discussion, but at this he spoke.
"The distribution of Kolocotrones!" he said, blandly. "The Lord help us all!"
This was disconcerting, for even Kolocotrones acknowledged the integrity and honesty of the young admiral, and could make no tu-quoque rejoinder.
"Then what do you propose?" he asked.