Gisgo was on board the Ashtoreth. He had come to bring the report of the Cabiros.
"Tell me, Gisgo," I said, "how much water do those Tyrrhenian privateers draw? Is it six cubits?"
"Aye, six at the very least; they look low upon the water, but they sink very deep; it is their excessive weight that keeps them from lurching."
"Very well; now go to those two boats, scuttle them, and sink them there, right in front of my ship. There!" I said, pointing with my hand.
Himilco and Gisgo chuckled again with delight as they went to do as they were ordered, and in the course of twenty minutes the boats were both sunk, and formed a regular stockade about three cubits below the surface of the water.
My next proceeding was to direct the Cabiros to lower her sail, and to pretend to be dragging herself with difficulty towards the headland, as though she had sustained some serious injury. I then made the Dagon sheer off about two stadia out to sea, ordering her to make her way back to the Ashtoreth by short tacks, as if she were coming to her assistance. Meanwhile I gave my ship the appearance of being a disabled merchantman; I lowered my sail, made my rowers struggle with their oars without propelling the vessel, and told all my soldiers to slip their shields, and to lie down flat upon the deck so as not to be seen.
"What's up now, Captain?" said Chamai raising his head, with a merry grin.
I told him that I was giving a sprat to catch a mackerel; and that if he would have patience I hoped he would be satisfied with the haul.
It was a very short time now before the Rasennæ caught sight of us. Immediately one of the five ships bore down directly upon the Cabiros; two of them started off in pursuit of the Dagon, which was still out to sea, and the remaining two steered for the Ashtoreth, which, as though perfectly helpless, exhibited no sign of resistance.