now that they were got together they first attacked the company of the Arcadian general, Smicres, who had done his work and was retiring to the appointed meeting-place, driving along a large train of captives and cattle.  For a good while the Hellenes maintained a running fight[1]; but at the passage of a gorge the enemy routed them, 5 slaying Smicres himself and those with him to a man.  The fate of another company under command of Hegesander, another of the ten, was nearly as bad; only eight men escaped, Hegesander being one of them.  The remaining captains eventually met, some with somewhat to show for their pains, others empty-handed.

[1] Lit. “marched and fought,” as did the forlorn hope under Sir C.
    Wilson making its way from Abu Klea to the Nile in Jan. 1885.

The Thracians, having achieved this success, kept up a continual shouting and clatter of conversation to one another during the night; but with day-dawn they marshalled themselves right round the knoll on which the Hellenes were encamped—­both cavalry in large numbers and light-armed troops—­while every minute the stream of new-comers grew greater.  Then they commenced an attack on the heavy infantry in all security, for the Hellenes had not a single bowman, javelin-man, or mounted trooper amongst them; while the enemy rushed forward on foot or galloped up on horseback and let fly their javelins.  It was vain to attempt to retaliate, so lightly did they spring back and escape; and ever the attack renewed itself from every point, so that on one side man after man was wounded, on the other not a soul was touched; the result being that they could not stir from their position, and the Thracians ended by cutting them off even from their water.  In their despair they began to parley about a truce, and finally various concessions were made and terms agreed to between them; but the Thracians would not hear of giving hostages in answer to the demand of the Hellenes; at that point the matter rested.  So fared it with the Arcadians.

As to Cheirisophus, that general prosecuted his march along the 10 seaboard, and without check reached Calpe Haven.  Xenophon advanced through the heart of the country; and his cavalry pushing on in front, came upon some old men pursuing their road somewither, who were brought to him, and in answer to his question, whether they had caught sight of another Hellenic army anywhere, told him all that had already taken place, adding that at present they were being besieged upon a knoll with all the Thracians in close circle round them.  Thereupon he kept the old men under strict guard to serve as guides in case of need; next, having appointed outposts, he called a meeting of the soldiers, and addressed them:  “Soldiers, some of the Arcadians are dead and the rest are being besieged upon a certain knoll.  Now my own belief is, that if they are to perish, with their deaths the seal is set to our own fate:  since we must reckon with an enemy at once numerous and emboldened.  Clearly our best course is to hasten to their rescue, if haply we may find them still alive, and do battle by their side rather than suffer isolation, confronting danger single-handed.