"O Lord of the Universe!" said Artaban, with fallacious emphasis, "I will deliver Sapor up to thee, bound hand and foot, like a sacrificial lamb. I will lead thee by night to the camp and softly shalt thy hand take the king, as children take young birds in their snares. Only hearken to Artaban: Artaban has plenitude of power, and knows the king's secrets."
"What reward do you expect from me?" asked Julian.
"Vengeance! Come with me!"
"Whither?"
"To the north; through the desert—three hundred and twenty-five parasangs—then through the mountains eastward, straight on Susa and Ecbatana...."
The Persian pointed to the horizon.
"Over there, over there," he repeated, fixing his eyes on Julian.
"Cæsar," said Hormizdas to the Emperor, "take care!... I don't like this man's face! He's a sorcerer—a brigand, or perhaps much worse?... Sometimes queer things happen in these latitudes. Get rid of him!... Don't listen to him...."
Julian paid no heed to the words of Hormizdas.
He felt the strange fascination of the Persian's supplicating eyes.