"Come now, general," I said at length; "we can't spend all day waiting here; we shall have some one coming in. Is your mind made up?"
He made an ambiguous movement. Bichri frowned, and jerked his knife.
"Yes, I will come," he said, abruptly. "After all, I was in fault."
We now arranged our party as I had proposed. Assuming all the appearance of respect, Hannibal and Chamai placed themselves one on each side of Belesys, and Bichri, still whistling gently to himself, followed alone behind. I followed with Hanno and Himilco, and the sailors, taking up their packages, brought up the rear.
As we passed along the ranks, the soldiers all prostrated themselves in honour of their general, and I could scarcely suppress a smile at their ignorance of the true state of things. Belesys did not utter a word or make a sign, and in half an hour's time he was on board the Ashtoreth, witnessing the respectful salute with which my own people always acknowledged my return.
"To your posts, men!" I cried, cheerily; "here is the noble commander-in-chief of the Assyrian army; he does us the honour to inspect our ships."
"And he intends," said Himilco, "to treat you to a double ration of wine."
"Long live the King of Assyria! long live his illustrious general!" rose in acclamation from a chorus of voices.
