He asked them what they demanded for his ransom.

They said twenty talents, which was quite a large amount, a talent itself being a considerable sum of money.

Caesar laughed at this demand, and told them it was plain that they did not know who he was, He would give them _fifty_ talents.

He then sent away his attendants to the shore, with orders to proceed to certain cities where he was known, in order to procure the money, retaining only a physician and two servants for himself.

While his messengers were gone, he remained on board the ship of his captors, assuming in every respect the air and manner of their master.