Perhaps he knew from his own seamy experience of life what such things developed into.

At all events, he urged his companions to defer the division until they returned to civilization and could get the spoils appraised by eyes expert in the knowledge of precious stones.

But they would not listen, so, not liking the look of things, he withdrew a little distance off and watched them, leaning against a rock.

That was his tacit admission (so Charles interpreted this action) that he was on Robert Turold's side, and felt that his own interests were identical with those of the master mind.
The two, left to themselves, wrangled more fiercely than ever.

There were unpleasant taunts and mutual revilings.