ur, to steal whatever the law does not forbid; 15. while, in order
that you may steal with the utmost dexterity, and strive to escape
discovery, it is appointed by law that, if you are caught stealing, you
are scourged. It is now high time for you, therefore, to give proof of
your education, and to take care that we may not receive many stripes."
16. "But I hear that you Athenians also," rejoined Cheirisophus, "are
very clever at stealing the public money, though great danger threatens
him that steals it; and that your best men steal it most, if indeed your
best men are thought worthy to be your magistrates; so that it is time
for you likewise to give proof of your education." 17. "I am then
ready," exclaimed Xenophon, "to march with the rear-guard, as soon as we
have supped, to take possession of the hills. I have guides too; for our
light-armed men captured some of the marauders following us by lying in
ambush; and from them I learn that the mountains are not impassable, but
are grazed over by goats and oxen, so that if we once gain possession of
any part of the range, there will be tracks also for our baggage-cattle.
18. I expect also that the enemy will no longer keep their ground, when
they see us upon a level with them on the heights, for they will not now
come down to be upon a level with us." 19. Cheirisophus then said, "But
why should you go, and leave the charge of the rear? Rather send others,
unless some volunteers present themselves." 20. Upon this Aristonymus of
Methydria came forward with his heavy-armed men, and Aristeas of Chios
and Nicomachus of Oeta[227] with their light-armed; and they made an
arrangement, that as soon as they should reach the top, they should
light a number of fires. 21. Having settled these points, they went to
dinner; and after dinner Cheirisophus led forward the whole army ten
stadia towards the enemy, that he might appear to be fully resolved to
march against them on that quarter.

22. When they had taken their supper, and night came on, those
appointed for the service went forward and got possession of the hills;
the other troops rested where they were. The enemy, when they saw the
heights occupied, kept watch and burned a number of fires all night. 23.
As soon as it was day, Cheirisophus, after having offered sacrifice,
marched forward along the road; while those who had gained the heights
advanced by the ridge. 24. Most of the enemy, meanwhile, stayed at the
pass, but a part w