Know at once, ye guests, for I dare not lose time in preparing my words, that a treacherous assault awaits ye!" They all sprang up as if struck by lightning.

Aristomachus silently loosened his sword in its scabbard; Phanes extended his arms as if to discern whether the old athletic elasticity still dwelt there.
"What can it be ?--what is their design ?" echoed from all sides.
"This house is surrounded by Ethiopian soldiers!" answered Gyges.

"A faithful fellow confided to me that the crown-prince had designs on one of your number; he was to be taken alive if possible, but killed if he resisted.

Dreading lest thou shouldst be this victim, my father, I sped hither.

The fellow had not lied.