The Asiatics had crossed the Tigris, but somehow were entirely hidden from view.  After supper, Proxenus and Xenophon were walking in front of the place d’armes, when a man came up and demanded of the advanced guard where he could find Proxenus or Clearchus.  He did not ask for Menon, and that too though he came from Ariaeus, who was Menon’s friend.  As soon as Proxenus had said:  “I am he, whom you seek,” the man replied:  “I have been sent by Ariaeus and Artaozus, who have been trusty friends to Cyrus in past days, and are your well-wishers.  They warn you to be on your guard, in case the barbarians attack you in the night.  There is a large body of troops in the neighbouring park.  They also warn you to send and occupy the bridge over the Tigris, since Tissaphernes is minded to break it down in the night, if he can, so that you may not cross, but be caught between the river and the canal.”  On hearing this they took the man to Clearchus and acquainted him with his statement.  Clearchus, on his side, was much disturbed, and indeed alarmed at the news.  But a young fellow who was present[1], struck with an idea, suggested that the two statements were inconsistent; as to the contemplated attack and the proposed destruction of the bridge.  Clearly, the attacking party must either conquer or be worsted:  if they conquer, what need of their breaking down the bridge?  “Why! if there were half a dozen bridges,” said he, “we should not be any the more able to save ourselves by flight—­there would be no place to flee to; but, in the opposite case, suppose we win, with the bridge broken down, it is they who will not be able to save themselves by flight; and, what is worse for them, not a single soul will be able to bring them succour from the other side, for all their numbers, since the bridge will be broken down.”

[1] Possibly Xenophon himself.

Clearchus listened to the reasoning, and then he asked the messenger, “How large the country between the Tigris and the canal might be?” “A 21 large district,” he replied, “and in it are villages and cities numerous and large.”  Then it dawned upon them:  the barbarians had sent the man with subtlety, in fear lest the Hellenes should cut the bridge and occupy the island territory, with the strong defences of the Tigris on the one side and of the canal on the other; supplying themselves with provisions from the country so included, large and rich as it was, with no lack of hands to till it; in addition to which, a harbour of refuge and asylum would be found for any one, who was minded to do the king a mischief.

After this they retired to rest in peace, not, however, neglecting to send a guard to occupy the bridge in spite of all, and there was no attack from any quarter whatsoever; nor did any of the enemy’s people approach the bridges:  so the guards were able to report next morning.  But as soon as it was morning, they proceeded to cross the bridge, which consisted of thirty-seven vessels, and in so doing they used the utmost precaution possible; for reports were brought by some of the Hellenes with Tissaphernes that an attempt was to be made to attack them while crossing.  All this turned out to be false, though it is true that while crossing they did catch sight of Glus watching, with some others, to see if they crossed the river; but as soon as he had satisfied himself on that point, he rode off and was gone.