Page:The History of Armenia - Avdall - Volume 1.djvu/391

 350 HISTORY or ARMENIA.

conversation be had with him, told him» that the next day would see Mushel in his power. Then withdrawing, he watched his opportunity, and whilst Mihran was asleep in bed, he ap- proached and plunged a javelin into his body. After this act, he went into another apartment, and sent for the secretary of the Persian general, whom he obliged by threats to write, asif fronk Mihran, to Varshin the governor of the Apa- hunians, to come to him within three days, and bring also 3,000 men with him. Vahan then caused the unfortunate secretary, together with the courier of Mihran^ to be strangled, by the people whom he had brought with him.

During this time the Persian troops were engaged in revelry, to which they had been tempted by the machinations of Vahan. After the latter h&d observed the success of his plans with Mihran, he directed the few attendants who had accompanied him to the Persian camp to close silently all the outlets of the places wherein the soldiers were carousing, and then to set fire to them. This being done, completed the destruction of the enemy's army. Vahan then assembled his troops near Mount Guth» where he pitched a camp, made to resemble as much as possible a Persian one, and stationed several Armenians outside, clad in the manner of the Persian chiefs. Varshir, who had obeyed

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