"The meeting has been summoned," he said, bitterly. "Am I to suppose it has been summoned for any purpose?"
But Tombazes had his eyes fixed on the Capsina.
"Is the meeting adjourned?" asked Father Nikolas, and the chairman smiled.
The Capsina by this time had made her way up to the table and looked round.
"A chair," she said. "Two chairs. Kanaris, sit by me, please."
She had chosen her place between old Christos and Sachturi, and the two parted, making room for the chairs. Kanaris sat down in obedience to a gesture from her, but she remained standing.
"I have a word to say," she began, abruptly. "Since the clan of Capsas has been in this island, the head of the clan has always had a voice in all national affairs. I have been prevented from attending the former meetings of this particular assembly, because I was perhaps better employed in chasing and capturing Turkish ships. And as head of the clan I take my seat here."
For another moment there was dead silence, and Father Nikolas, in answer, it would appear, to hints from his neighbors, stood up.
"This matter is one on which the vote of the committee is required," he said; "for, as I understand, by its original constitution it possessed the power of adding to its numbers. For myself—"
But Sophia interrupted him.