"I swam under the wall," Joel said, "and I bring you bad news."
"Artemisia!" Clearchus cried. "Is she dead?"
"As yet she is unharmed," Joel replied.
"What is it, then? Speak!" Clearchus cried.
Joel repeated what Mena had told him.
"Is it possible to return by the way you came?" Clearchus demanded.
"It is possible for a good swimmer, but it is dangerous," Joel replied.
"I shall return with you at once," Clearchus announced, and began to belt on his sword.
"You are mad, Clearchus," Leonidas said, raising the flap of the tent. "Dawn is breaking. It would be broad daylight before you could reach the walls."
"I am going, nevertheless," Clearchus answered calmly, continuing his preparations.