, in his best court Persian, "I am a courier to
the Lord Mardonius. If you are faithful servants of his Eternity the king,
where is your camp?"

The chief started.

"On the life of my father, you speak Persian as if you dwelled in Eran at
the king's own doors! What do you here alone upon this road in Hellas?"

Glaucon put out his hand before answering, caught the tip of Rukhs's
lance, and snapped it short like a reed. He knew the way to win the
admiration of the Barbarians. They yelled with delight, all at least save
Rukhs.

"Strong as he is brave and handsome," cried the Persian. "Again--who are
you?"

The Alcmaeonid drew himself to full height and gave his head its lordliest
poise.

"Understand, Persian, that I have indeed lived long at the king's gates.
Yes,--I have learned my Aryan at the Lord Mardonius's own table, for I am
the son of Attaginus of Thebes, who is not the least of the friends of his
Eternity in Hellas."

The mention of one of the foremost Medizers of Greece made the subaltern
bend in his saddle. His tone became even obsequious.

"Ah, I understand. Your Excellency is a courier. You have despatches from
the king?"

"Despatches of moment just landed from Asia. Now tell me where the army is
encamped."

"By the Asopus, much to northward. The Hellenes lie to south. Here, Rukhs,
take the noble courier behind you on the horse, and conduct him to the
general."

"Heaven bless your generosity," cried the runner, with almost precipitate
haste, "but I know the country well, and the worthy Rukhs will not thank
me if I deprive him of his share in your booty."

"Ah, yes, we have heard of a farm across the hills at Eleutherae that's not
yet been plundered,--handsome wenches, and we'll make the father dig up his
pot of money. Mazda speed you, sir, for we are off."

"Yeh! yeh!" yelled the seven Tartars, none more loudly than Rukhs, who had
no hankering for conducting a courier back into the camp. So the riders
came and went, whilst Glaucon drew his girdle one notch tighter and ran
onward through the gathering evening.

The adventure had been a warning. Once Athena had saved him, not perchance
twice,--again he took to the fields. He did not love the sight of the sun
ever lower, on the long brown ridge of Helicon far to west. Until now he
scarce thought enough of self to realize the terrible draughts he had made
upon his treasure-house of strength. Could it be that he--the Isthmionices,
who had crushed