“That’s not a bad idea,” said Bartja, “and I think too that we look more like soldiers than traders.”
“Looks and manner are no guide,” said Gyges. “Those great Greek merchants and ship-owners go about as proudly as if the world belonged to them. But I don’t find Zopyrus’ proposal a bad one.”
“Then so let it be,” said Darius, yielding. “In that case Oroetes must provide us with the uniform of Lydian Taxiarchs.”
“You’d better take the splendid dress of the Chiliarchs at once, I think,” cried Gyges.
“Why, on such young men, that would excite suspicion directly.”
“But we can’t appear as common soldiers.”
“No, but as Hekatontarchs.”
“All right,” said Zopyrus laughing. “Anything you like except a shop-keeper.—So in three days we are off. I am glad I shall just have time to make sure of the satrap’s little daughter, and to visit the grove of Cybele at last. Now, goodnight, Bartja; don’t get up too early. What will Sappho say, if you come to her with pale cheeks?”