Callippides then drew from his belt a key with three wards which he gave to Manes, saying:
“Take it to Philostratus to-morrow morning.”
Mares passed from one surprise to another.
“What shall I say to him?” he asked timidly.
“That I have no farther use for it.”
The old man scarcely believed his ears. He clasped his hands, but dared not speak.
“What would you say, Manes,” asked Callippides, “if you should see me some day with a helmet on my head leading a troop of horsemen?”
At these words the aged face brightened and the old man fixed his eyes with almost a father’s tenderness upon the master whom, when a child, he had often played with on his knee.
“The day I see you leader of the band of horsemen,” he exclaimed, “the day the bridal torches....”
Manes got no farther; at the last word Callippides started up and covered his mouth with his hand.