Then Histiaeus, using Hermippus, a man of Atarneus [26.95,39.05] (Perseus) Atarneus, as messenger, sent letters to the Persians at Sardis [28.0167,38.475] (Perseus) Sardis, because they had previously talked with him about revolt. But Hermippus did not give the letters to the men to whom he was sent, and went and delivered them to Artaphrenes instead.

Artaphrenes, learning all that was afoot, bade Hermippus carry Histiaeus' letters to those for whom he was bringing them, and give him those which the Persians sent in answer to Histiaeus. Thus these men became known, and then Artaphrenes put many Persians to death.