"About seven miles," said they.

"Was there any talk about us down there ?" said he.

"We should think there was," they answered; "it was all over the camp that you were coming." "Ah," said Cyrus, "I suppose they were glad to hear we were coming so soon ?" (putting this question for his officers to hear the answer).

"That they were not," said the prisoners, "they were anything but glad; they were miserable." [11] "And what are they doing now ?" asked Cyrus.

"Forming their line of battle," answered they; "yesterday and the day before they did the same." "And their commander ?" said Cyrus, "who is he ?" "Croesus himself," said they, "and with him a Greek, and also another man, a Mede, who is said to be a deserter from you." "Ah," cried Cyrus, "is that so?
Most mighty Zeus, may I deal with him as I wish!" [12] Then he had the prisoners led away and turned to speak to his officers, but at this moment another scout appeared, saying that a large force of cavalry was in the plain.