In
their own camp the state of things was growing worse every day, and
even Nicias now became convinced that to remain any longer would be
sheer madness. With the hearty concurrence of his colleagues, he gave
his vote for immediate departure, and the order was secretly passed
round the camp that every man should hold himself in readiness to go
on board, as soon as the signal was given. It was necessary to proceed
with caution, for if the enemy were informed of their purpose, they
would have to fight their way through the Syracusan fleet. The
preparations were accordingly made with as little noise as possible
and in a short time all was ready for the voyage. Night sank down on
the Athenian camp, but among all that vast multitude no one thought of
sleep, for the whole host was waiting in breathless eagerness for the
signal to embark. Over the eastern waters the full moon was shining,
making a long path of silver and pointing the way to home. But
suddenly a dark shadow touched the outer rim of that gleaming disk,
and crept stealthily on, until the whole face of the moon was veiled
in darkness. A whisper, a murmur, a shudder went round among those
anxious watchers, and before the shadow had passed away, ten thousand
tongues were eagerly discussing the meaning of that mysterious
portent.
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