Book 7
73.3
fearing that the Athenians might leave quietly during the night and get through the most difficult places before they could prevent this, he sent certain of his own friends with some horsemen to the Athenian camp when it was growing dark. These rode up close enough to be heard and called upon certain persons by name, as though they were friends of the Athenians—for there were some who regularly reported to Nicias all that went on in Syracusecf. 7.48.2.—and bade them tell Nicias not to lead his army away that night, since the Syracusans were guarding the roads, but to withdraw at his leisure, in the daytime, after having made full preparations.
73.4
After saying this these men departed, and those who had heard reported it to the Athenian generals.
74.1
So the Athenians, in view of the announcement, in which they saw no trickery, stayed on for that night. And since, even as things were,ie., though an immediate departure seemed forced on them by the circumstances. they had not set out immediately, it seemed to them best to wait during the following day also, in order that the soldiers might pack up what was most useful, as well as they could in the circumstances, and then be off, leaving everything else behind and taking along only such of the supplies on hand as would serve for the sustenance of the body.
