There was a short silence, and Mitsos longed to hear the offer refused. But the greed of the country Greek was too strong. "Fifty pounds?" answered Christos; "when do you pay me?" "On the day Tripoli falls." Again there was a pause, and Mitsos suddenly made up his mind to interfere, and he strode out of the shadow to where the two were standing. They stood asunder a few paces as he came up and took Christos by the arm. "For the love of God say 'No,' Christos," he said. "Ask him first what his business was outside." Poniropoulos came a step nearer. "You young cub," he said, below his breath, "what business is it of yours?" Christos looked from one to the other. "He has promised me fifty pounds," he said. "O fool!" said Mitsos, "there will be a fight between you and me that will cost you the best part of a hundred in blood and bruises, if you don't listen to me. Besides, I don't want to get you into trouble." Poniropoulos looked thunder at the boy, but inwardly he was disquieted. "Go to your kennel, you cub," he said, "or I report you to-morrow morning for insubordination." Mitsos gave a short laugh. "Very good," he said, "that shall be to-morrow, and it is yet to-night. Look you, Christos, there will be trouble if you do not listen to me. That is all." He turned back to his hut in order to give Poniropoulos time to be off and leave the coast clear, for he wished to get to Nicholas without making a disturbance in the camp, and, shutting the door, waited for five minutes till he heard Poniropoulos walk off one way and Christos continue his rounds. Then going out again he went straight to Nicholas's quarters and knocked at the door. Nicholas was asleep, but awakened at once at the sound, and called out to know who was there. "It is I, Mitsos," said the boy, "and I want to see you at once, Uncle Nicholas." "Wait a minute, then," and from within came the sounds of the striking of a flint. "I can't light this," said Nicholas; "come in, though." Mitsos entered, feeling glad there was no light, for it made his story easier to tell. "There is a powder-box where you can sit, little Mitsos," said Nicholas, "or sit on the end of the bed. Now, what brings you here?" Mitsos felt in his pocket and found the paper. "This, which I am holding out to you," he said. "On it is written that Poniropoulos, for the sum of two hundred pounds, will insure safety to Abdul Achmet and his house when Tripoli falls." There was a moment's silence. "The black devil!" said Nicholas. Then suddenly, "How came you by this, Mitsos?" "That is what I am going to tell you." 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?"