They all sprang up as if struck by lightning.  Aristomachus silently loosened his sword in its scabbard; Phanes extended his arms as if to discern whether the old athletic elasticity still dwelt there.

“What can it be?—­what is their design?” echoed from all sides.

“This house is surrounded by Ethiopian soldiers!” answered Gyges.  “A faithful fellow confided to me that the crown-prince had designs on one of your number; he was to be taken alive if possible, but killed if he resisted.  Dreading lest thou shouldst be this victim, my father, I sped hither.  The fellow had not lied.  This house is surrounded.  My horse shied on reaching your garden-gate, Rhodopis, jaded as he was.  I dismounted, and could discern behind every bush the glitter of weapons and the eager eyes of men lying in ambush.  They allowed us, however, to enter unmolested.”

At this moment Knakias rushed in crying, “Important news!  On my way to the Nile to fetch water with which to prepare the wine-cup, I have just met a man who, in his haste, nearly ran over me.

[The water of the Nile has a very agreeable flavor.  It is called by one traveller the champagne among the waters.  The ladies of the Sultan’s harem send for this water even from Constantinople, and the Arabs say, that if Mahomet had drunk thereof he would have desired to live for ever.]

It was an Ethiop, one of Phanes’ boatmen, and he tells that just as he sprang out of the boat to bathe, a royal bark came alongside and a soldier asked the rest of the crew in whose service they were.  On the helmsman answering, ‘in Phanes’ service,’ the royal boat passed on slowly.  He, however, (the rower who was bathing), seated himself in fun on the rudder of the royal boat, and heard one Ethiopian soldier on board say to another, ’Keep that craft well in sight; now we know where the bird sits, and it will be easy to catch him.  Remember, Psamtik has promised us fifty gold rings if we bring the Athenian to Sais dead or alive.’  This is the report of Sebek, who has been in your service seven years, O Phanes.”

To both these accounts Phanes listened calmly.  Rhodopis trembled.  Aristomachus exclaimed, “Not a hair of your head shall be touched, if Egypt perish for it!” Croesus advised prudence.  A tremendous excitement had mastered the whole party.

At last Phanes broke silence, saying:  “Reflection is never more necessary than in a time of danger.  I have thought the matter over, and see clearly that escape will be difficult.  The Egyptians will try to get rid of me quietly.  They know that I intend going on board a Phoecean trireme, which sets sail for Sigeum at a very early hour to-morrow morning, and have therefore no time to lose, if they will seize me.  Your garden, Rhodopis, is entirely surrounded, and were I to remain here, your house would no longer be respected as a sanctuary; it would be searched and I taken in it.  There can be no doubt that a watch has been set over the Phoecean ship also.  Blood shall not be shed in vain on my account.”