Demetrius, having read this and understanding the purport of the lines and from whom they came, at once left the house pretending that he felt sick, escorted by his friends.
On arriving at a hut he sent off to Anagnia those of his slaves whom it did not suit him to keep, ordering them to bring the nets and dogs and meet him at Cerceii,
for that was where he used constantly to go and hunt the wild boar, which was in fact the beginning of his intimacy with Polybius.
In the next place he informed Nicanor and his friends of his plan, and begged them to throw in their lot with him.
Upon their all readily consenting, he asked them to return at once to their residences and order their slaves to proceed in the early morning to Anagnia, and joining the huntsmen meet them at Cerceii.
They themselves were to put on travelling dress and return to him, after telling their slaves that they would fetch Demetrius and join them next day at the above place.
All was managed as I have stated, and they went on by night to <a class="linkToPlace" target="_blank" href="/place?placename=Ostia&groupId=822&placeId=1483">Ostia</a> at the mouth of the Tiber.
Menylus had preceded them and communicated with the officers of the ship, saying that he must himself remain in <a class="linkToPlace" target="_blank" href="/place?placename=Rome&groupId=935&placeId=1669">Rome</a> for the present, but must send on to him in advance the most trustworthy of his young soldiers, who would give him all the news about his brother.
So he said he himself would not embark, but that the soldiers who were to make the voyage would arrive about midnight.
The ship's officers were not concerned at this, since the fare agreed upon had been prepaid, and they had made all their preparations for the voyage long ago.
Demetrius and those with him arrived at the end of the third watch of the night, being eight in number with five grown-up slaves and three slave boys.
After Menyllus had conversed with them, pointing out the provisions for the voyage, and recommending them very cordially to the skipper and his crew,
they went on board and the pilot heaved anchor just as it was getting light and set sail, having no idea at all of the truth, but fancying he was conveying some soldiers from Menyllus to Ptolemy.
Walbank Commentary