Bartja wished to ask Amasis the meaning of this strange robbery, but Gyges begged him not to interfere in matters with which he had no concern. Just as they reached the palace, and darkness, which in Egypt so quickly succeeds the daylight, was already stealing over the city, Gyges felt himself hindered from proceeding further by a firm hand on his robe, and perceived a stranger holding his finger on his lips in token of silence.
“When can I speak with you alone and unobserved?” he whispered.
“What do you wish from me?”
“Ask no questions, but answer me quickly. By Mithras, I have weighty matters to disclose.”
“You speak Persian, but your garments would proclaim you an Egyptian.”
“I am a Persian, but answer me quickly or we shall be noticed. When can I speak to you alone?”
“To-morrow morning.”
“That is too late.”
“Well then, in a quarter of an hour, when it is quite dark, at this gate of the palace.”
“I shall expect you.”