Another Chaldean now put in his word, and said that though he had not been to Tarshish, he had just seen a man of Tarshish.
"Just seen one! where?" asked Himilco.
"In the royal camp. He was along with the Phœnician captain who has taken service under King Belochus."
A thrill ran through me. In an instant I recollected the gaoul and the two galleys, and the truth flashed upon my mind.
"His name?" I cried. "Tell me his name, and I will give you a shekel."
"Make it two, and I will tell you."
I threw him the money, which he picked up and put in his purse. He was walking off, saying that he did not see why he need tell me the captain's name now that he was already paid. In my rage at the cool effrontery of the rascal I was about to knock him down, when one of the Phœnician dealers interposed:
"Never mind that fellow's nonsense, I will tell you what you want. The captain's name is Bodmilcar; he is a Tyrian."
The very sound of the name was enough. My men caught it, and in an instant we were all on our way back to the ships. Once on board, I held a consultation with the officers, and put them in possession of the fact that Bodmilcar was lying in wait a few cables' length below us; that he was in connection with the army; and that it was extremely likely that Belesys would attack us in the rear. How melancholy would it be, I urged, if our enterprise, hitherto so successful, should be marred by our hateful foe at last!
Animated by a general enthusiasm, my people declared that not a moment should be lost, the hour for action was come, and the attack must be made at once.