106 HISTORICAL TALES.

but as neither of them is certain we shall not re-
peat them. It is enough to say that he hated Poly-
crates bitterly and desired his destruction, which he
laid a plan to bring about.

Orestes, residing then at Magnesia, on the Meander
River, in the vicinity of Samos, and being aware of
the ambitious designs of Polycrates, sent him a mes-
sage to the effect that he knew that while he desired
to become lord of the isles, he had not the means to
carry out his ambitious project. As for himself, he
was aware that Cambyses was bent on his destruc-
tion. He therefore invited Polycrates to come and
take him, with his wealth, offering for his protection
gold sufficient to make him master of the whole of
Greece, so far as money would serve for this.

This welcome offer filled Polycrates with joy. He
knew nothing of the hatred of Oretes, and at once
sent his secretary to Magnesia to see the Persian and
- report upon the offer. What he principally wished
to know was in regard to the money offered, and
Oreetes prepared to satisfy him in this particular.
He had eight large chests prepared, filled nearly full
of stones, upon which gold was spread. These were
corded, as if ready for instant removal.

This seeming store of gold was shown to the sec-
retary, who hastened back to Polycrates with a
glowing description of the treasure he had seen.
Polycrates, on hearing this story, decided to go at
once and bring Orcetes and his chests of gold to
Samos.

Against this action his friends protested, while the
soothsayers found the portents unfavorable. His