“Themistocles and I were summoned hither,” explained [pg 127]Hermippus, “by a message from Democrates bidding us come to Colonus at once, on an urgent matter touching the public weal.”
“He is not here. I cannot understand,” marvelled Glaucon; but while he spoke, he was interrupted by the clatter of hoofs from a party of horsemen spurring furiously and heading from the pass of Daphni.
CHAPTER XII
A TRAITOR TO HELLAS
Before the house six riders were reining,—five Scythian “bowmen” of the constabulary of Athens, tow-headed Barbarians, grinning but mute; the sixth was Democrates. He dismounted with a bound, and as he did so the friends saw that his face was red as with pent-up excitement. Themistocles advanced hastily.
“What’s this? Your hands seem a-quiver. Whom has that constable tied up behind him?”
“Seuthes!” cried Glaucon, bounding back, “Seuthes, by every god, and pinioned like a felon.”
“Ay!” groaned the prisoner, lashed to a horse, “what have I done to be seized and tried like a bandit? Why should I be set upon by these gentlemen while I was enjoying a quiet pot of wine in the tavern at Daphni, and be haled away as if to crucifixion? Mu! Mu! make them untie me, dear Master Glaucon.”