Alexander : a history of the origin and growth of the art of war from ...

MUTINY AGAINST DARIUS. 421Persian king, as well as because his rapid march had depletedthe commissariat, Alexander here gave his troops five days'rest.He made Oxodates, a man whom Darius had imprisonedfor life in Susa, viceroy of Media in place of Atropates.In his case Alexander thought his treatment by Darius wouldvouch for his fidelity. He then marched to the Caspian Gates,thirty miles from Rliaga;, in one day, passed through the defile,a march of three hours' distance, and leai-niug that the countryEcbatana to Zadracarta.beyond was nothing but a desei-t, he sent Coenus out toforage,in order to collect rations for a further advance.Darius began to fear that even flight coxdd not ridhis terrible pursuer.him ofThe farther he fled, the more his armydwindled from desertion. Might it not be wiser to turn andface the Macedonians, who were exhausted with the pursuit ?He called a council of his nobles, it is said, and advised onemore resort to arms. But his companions had not onl}' lostcourage and their faith in Darius, — there was treason in the