Democrates arose hastily.

"My himation, staff, and shoes, boy!" he ordered. "I will go forth myself.
The prisoners are still at the fishmonger's house?"

"Even so, Excellency."

"I go back with you. I must see this stranger with my own eyes. There must
be no mistake."

Scodrus stared widely when he saw his master go out into the dark, for his
only escort a black Carthaginian sailor with a dirk a cubit long.
Democrates did not even ask for a lantern. None of the servants could
fathom their master's doings of late. He gave strappings when they asked
questions, and Bias was away.

The streets of Troezene were utterly deserted when Democrates threaded
them. There was no moon, neither he nor his companion were overcertain of
the way. Once they missed the right turn, wandered down a blind alley, and
plunged into a pile of offal awaiting the scavenger dogs. But finally the
seaman stopped at a low door in a narrow street, and a triple rap made it
open. The scene was squalid. A rush-candle was burning on a table. Around
it squatted seven men who rose and bowed as the strategus entered. In the
dim flicker he could just recognize the burly shipmaster Hasdrubal and
gigantic Hib, the Libyan "governor," whose ebon face betrayed itself even
there.

"We have expected you, _kyrie_," said Hiram, who was one of the group.

"Thanks be to Hermes and to you all. I have told my guide already I will
be grateful. Where is he?"

"In the kitchen behind, your Lordship. We were singularly favoured. Hib
had the cord around his arms before he wakened. He could scarcely struggle
despite his power. The fishmonger awoke before Hasdrubal could nip him.
For a moment we feared his outcries would rouse the street. But again the
gods blessed us. No one stirred, and we soon throttled him."

"Take the light," ordered Democrates. "Come."

Accompanied by Hiram, the orator entered the kitchen, a small square room.
The white-washed ceiling was blacked around the smoke-hole, a few pots and
pans lay in the corners, a few dying embers gleamed on the hearth. But
Democrates had eyes only for two objects,--human figures tightly bound
lying rigid as faggots in the further corner.

"Which is he?" asked Democrates again, stepping softly as though going to
danger.

"The further one is Phormio, the nearer is my Lord's enemy. Your
Excellency need not fear to draw close. He is quite secure."

"Give me the candle."

Democrates held the light high and trod gen