As the officers left him to execute his commands, Alexander turned to Ptolemy with hands outstretched.
"I am glad to see you safe!" he said. "You charged bravely before the gate, and I feared that something might have happened that would deprive me of your aid when we march into Persia."
Ptolemy's bronzed face reddened with pleasure as he heard the praise of the young king.
"I went in pursuit of the enemy's cavalry," he said.
"Is it likely that any of those who escaped will be able to rally?" Alexander asked.
"They are scattered in every direction and think only of flight," Ptolemy replied.
"That is well," Alexander said. "We shall be the better able to deal with the others when they come. Who are these that you have brought to me?"
He turned toward the two young men, who had been standing at a little distance, and looked them frankly in the eyes.
"This is Clearchus, an Athenian, and this, Leonidas of Sparta," Ptolemy replied, presenting them in turn.
Alexander's face clouded at the names of the two most powerful of the states that opposed him in Greece, and Ptolemy hastened to add: "They saved my life when my horse stumbled in the pursuit, and they have a request to make of you."