"The Thracian spearmen and the mailed riders."
"Right. Say nothing of this matter to any one; and go."
"And my punishment?"
"You are pardoned. But drink gift wine cautiously in future."
"Indeed I will, General."
"In the inspection I am about to make you will act shrewdly and prudently, as I order. And listen: one thing more. You owe the young girl some atonement: do you perceive it?"
"Unfortunately."
"Will you make it?"
"Gladly."
"Then mark me. She has complained that I have her watched continually, even during the day. Thrax, my fat scribe, to whom I gave the secret commission, has acted very awkwardly; she found him out long ago. I promised to rid her of him. But she must not remain unguarded."