Mitsos found it rather hard to begin, and after a moment Nicholas spoke again—kindly, but gravely.
"I am listening, Mitsos," he said. "Hush! there is some one coming. Keep quite quiet."
Immediately after a knock came to the door, and Nicholas let it be repeated before he answered.
"Who is it?" he asked.
"Christos Choremis," said the voice, "the sentry for the last two hours."
"Well?"
"Half an hour ago, sir, the Captain Poniropoulos climbed in over the camp wall. I thought best to tell you at once."
"Did he explain where he had been?"
"No, sir."
"Open the door, Christos," said Nicholas. "There is one question more. Did he offer you money not to say anything about it?"