“He is a spurious citizen. His father’s name cannot be found in the temple of Apollo Patrous.”
Acestor raised his head and fixed his eyes on Phanos with a venomous glance.
“You are mistaken,” he said. “It can be found there.”
“Where?”
“By the side of your father’s name.”
Phanos recoiled a step as though struck by an invisible shaft; but the next moment the veins in his temples swelled, and his eyes flashed.
“Wretch!” he exclaimed, his lips quivering with indignation. “My father’s name is not to be found in the temple—he was, as every one knows, a freedman. Nevertheless, my right to citizenship is a legal one, bestowed for services rendered to the state. Note this, Gobryas, son of Tisamenos.”
These words fell upon Acestor like a thunder-bolt. At hearing his name, his real name, which he had believed concealed from every one, he perceived that all was discovered.
Throwing himself at Phanos’ feet, he raised his arms submissively.
“Mercy!” he murmured, “mercy!”