“Speak, dog, or your head will be forfeit!” cried the wrathful general.
“Then if you must needs know,” responded the reluctant prophet, “you are in grave danger.”
“Is there no hope?” asked Mardonius turning very pale.
“All men pass through certain periods of danger and such a one is now imminent for you, my lord, but the time of no man’s death is absolutely fated and mayhap this crisis will pass!”
“Depart and send Masistius to me at once,” said the leader in great agitation.
A few moment later the tent folds parted, admitting the gigantic form of the cavalryman. The sight of the heroic figure seemed to cheer Mardonius, for in place of his customary tones of peremptory command, he spoke informally, even affectionately to the brave Persian.
“Masistius I have decided to delay no longer, for provisions are low. It is my wish that you lead the Persian cavalry in an offensive. We number three times the enemy, therefore why delay longer?”
“All that a true soldier wants to know is that he understands his orders. Your slightest wish is a command, Mardonius. I shall go at once.”
“You are a brave man, Masistius. Ask what you will after this encounter, and it shall be granted you. I will show Hegesistratus what little faith I put in his soothsaying!”
A few hours after this Masistius approached Zopyrus, calling him away from a group of soldiers with whom he was conversing.