han this,--to be welcomed
at the councils of the Barbarian. Artabazus salaamed to his superior half
mockingly.

"Verily, son of Gobryas, I was wrong. You are guileful as a Greek. There
can be no higher praise."

The Prince's nostrils twitched. Perhaps he was not saying all he felt.

"Let your praise await the issue," he rejoined coldly. "Suffice it that
these friends were long convinced of the wisdom of aiding his Eternity,
and to-night come from the camp of the Hellenes to tell all that has
passed and why we should make ready for battle at the dawning." He turned
to the Greeks, ordering in their own tongue, "Speak forth, I am
interpreter for the council."

An awkward instant followed. Lycon looked on Democrates.

"You are an Athenian, your tongue is readiest," he whispered.

"And you the first to Medize. Finish your handiwork," the retort.

"We are waiting," prompted Mardonius, and Lycon held up his great head and
began in short sentences which the general deftly turned into Persian.

"Your cavalry has made our position by the Asopus intolerable. All the
springs are exposed. We have to fight every time we try to draw water.
To-day was a meeting of the commanders, many opinions, much wrangling, but
all said we must retire. The town of Plataea is best. It is strong, with
plenty of water. You cannot attack it. To-night our camp has been struck.
The troops begin to retire, but in disorder. The contingent of each city
marches by itself. The Athenians, thanks to Democrates, delay retreating;
the Spartans I have delayed also. I have persuaded Amompharetus, my
cousin, who leads the Pitanate _mora_,(15) and who was not at the council,
that it is cowardly for a Spartan to retreat. He is a sheep-skulled fool
and has believed me. Consequently, he and his men are holding back. The
other Spartans wait for them. At dawn you will find the Athenians and
Spartans alone near their old camping ground, their allies straggling in
the rear. Attack boldly. When the onset joins, Democrates and I will order
our own divisions to retire. The phalanxes will be broken up. With your
cavalry you will have them at mercy, for once the spear-hedge is
shattered, they are lost. The battle will not cost you twenty men."

Artabazus rose again and showed his teeth.

"A faithful servant of the king, Mardonius,--and so well is all provided,
do we brave Aryans need even to string our bows?"

The Prince winced at the sarcasm.

"I am serving the king