"And rough enough they'll find them," said Himilco. "I was well-nigh drowned there two years back; and let us hope that Bodmilcar and his Tyrian sneaks, bad luck to them! may come to grief. How I should like to hang them all like a string of fishes, fastened by their gills!"
We were not long in reaching the little town of Sebennys. The Cabiros was first sent ashore, and returned with the tidings that all was quiet. I paid the customary dues to the Egyptian governor of the place, and despatched a number of our sailors to procure the requisite supply of water; they took the opportunity of purchasing several baskets of onions and some good fresh meat. Before the end of the day we had turned our backs upon the land, and were making our venturous way north-west.
"And now, for our dishes and platters," I cried; "I am frightfully hungry."
We seated ourselves in the stern, and joined by Chryseis and Abigail, we formed a large and merry group. The sailors and soldiers all were served with a ration of wine in honour of the morning's victory.
"I see we have changed our course," said Hanno; "are we making for Crete?"
"Yes," I replied; and added that I supposed it was a place already known to the fair Chryseis.
Chamai inquired whether it was not the same as Chittim.
"No, not the same," I answered; "this island is full of mountains, upon which are goats with spreading horns like those of Arabia; the people are famous for their skill as archers."
"Bichri, then, may find his match," said Chamai. "But to what nation do they belong?"
"They are Phrygians and Dorians," I told him; "fair, tall men, with handsome faces and well-formed limbs; they have built towns in which some of our Sidonian merchants have recently settled, getting there by way of Chittim and Rhodes. Chryseis speaks the same language as the Dorians."