Page:History of Greece Vol X.djvu/451

 PROTBACTED BLOCKADE. 429 would wait yet a few days. During that short interval, he medi- tated and executed a bold stroke of relief. The Syracusans and Agrigentines were mainly supplied by sea from Syracuse ; from whence a large transport of provision-ships was now expected, under convoy of some Syracusan triremes. Apprised of their approach, Imilkon silently brought out forty Carthaginian tri- remes from Motye and Panormus, with which he suddenly attacked the Syracusan convoy, no way expecting such a surprise. Eight Syracusan triremes were destroyed ; the remainder were driven ashore, and the whole fleet of transports fell into the hands of Imilkon. Abundance and satisfaction now reigned in the camp of the Carthaginians, while the distress, and with it the discontent, was transferred to Agrigentum. The Campanian mercenaries in the service of Dexippus began the mutiny, complaining to him of their condition. Perhaps he had been alarmed and disgusted at the violent manifestation of the Agrigentines against their gener- als, extending partly to himself also. At any rate, he manifested no zeal in the defence, and was even suspected of having received a bribe of fifteen talents from the Carthaginians. He told the Campanians that Agrigentum was no longer tenable, for want of supplies ; upon which they immediately retired, and marched away to Messene, affirming that the time stipulated for their stay had expired. Such a secession struck every one with discourage- ment. The Agrigentine generals immediately instituted an exam- ination, to ascertain the quantity of provision still remaining in the city. Having made the painful discovery that there remained but very little, they took the resolution of causing the city to be evacuated by its population during the coming night. 1 A night followed, even more replete with woe and desolation than that which had witnessed the flight of Diokles with the in- habitants of Himera from their native city. Few scenes can be imagined more deplorable than the vast population of Agrigentum obliged to hurry out of their gates during a December night, as their only chance of escape from famine or the sword of a merci- less enemy. The road to Gela was beset by a distracted crowd, of both sexes and of every age and condition, confounded in one indiscriminate lot of suffering. No thought could be bestowed on 1 Diodor. xiii, ?&.