mistocles, his face
like a thunder-cloud; but Democrates forbade him.

"A moment. Let me complete my story. This afternoon I received warning
that the Babylonish carpet-vender had taken sudden flight, presumably
toward Thebes. I have sent mounted constables after him. I trust they can
seize him at the pass of Phyle. In the meantime, I may assure you I have
irrefutable evidence--needless to present here--that the man was a Persian
agent, and to more purpose hear this affidavit, sworn to by very worthy
patriots.

"Polus, son of Phodrus of the Commune of Diomea, and Lampaxo his sister
take oath by Zeus, Dike, and Athena, thus: We swear we saw and recognized
Glaucon, son of Conon, twice visiting by night in the past month of
Scirophorion a certain Babylonish carpet-seller, name unknown, who had
lodgings above Demas's shield factory in Alopece."

"Details lack," spoke Themistocles, keenly.

"To be supplied in full measure at the trial," rejoined the orator. "And
now to the second letter itself."

"Ay, the letter, whatever the foul Cyclops that wrought it!" groaned
Glaucon through his teeth.

Themistocles took the document from Hermippus's trembling hands. His own
trembled whilst he broke the seal.

"The handwriting of Glaucon. There is no doubt," was his despairing
comment. His frown darkened. Then he attempted to read.

"Glaucon of Athens to Cleophas of Argos wishes health:--

"Cleophas leads the Medizers of Argos, the greatest friend of Xerxes in
Greece. O Zeus, what is this next--

"Our dear friend, whom I dare not name, to-day departs for Thebes, and in
a month will be safe in Sardis. His visit to Athens has been most
fruitful. Since you at present have better opportunity than we for
forwarding packets to Susa, do not fail to despatch this at once. A happy
chance led Themistocles to explain to me his secret memorandum for the
arraying of the Greek fleet. You can apprize its worth, for the only
others to whom it is entrusted are Democrates and later Leonidas--"

Themistocles flung the papyrus down. His voice was broken. Tears stood in
his eyes.

"O Glaucon, Glaucon,--whom I have trusted? Was ever trust so betrayed! May
Apollo smite me blind, if so I could forget what I read here! It is all
written--the secret ordering of the fleet--"

For a terrible moment there was silence in the little room, a silence
broken by a wild, shrill cry,--Hermione's, as she cast her arms about her
husband.

"A lie! A snare! A