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334 334 THUCYDIDES

from each other, that the clashing of their arms might not betray them ; and they were lightly equipped, having the right foot bare that they might be less liable to slip in the mud. They now set about scal- ing the battlements, which they knew to be deserted, choosing a space between two of the towers. Those who carried the ladders went first, and placed them against the wall ; they were followed by twelve oth- ers, armed only with sword and breastplate, under the command of Ammeas, the son of Coroebus : he was the first to mount ; after him came the twelve, six as- cending each of the two towers on the right and left. To these succeeded more men lightly armed with short spears, others following who bore their shields, that they might have less difficulty in mounting the wall ; the shields were to be handed to them as soon as they were near the enemy. A considerable number had now ascended, when they were discovered by the guards. One of the Plataeans, taking hold of the battlements, threw down a tile which made noise in falling : immediately a shout was raised and the en- emy rushed out upon the wall ; for in the dark and stormy night they did not know what the alarm meant. At the same time, in order to distract their attention, the Plataeans who were left in the city made a sally against the Peloponnesian wall on the side op- posite to the place at which their friends were getting over. The besiegers were in great excitement, but every one remained at his own post, and dared not stir to give assistance, being at a loss to imagine what was happening. The three hundred who were ap- pointed to act in any sudden emergency marched along outside the walls towards the spot from which the cry proceeded, and fire-signals indicating danger