History of the Peloponnesian War

After giving these instructions, and suggesting that he would himself manage all other matters there, he took his departure.

On his arrival at Lacedaemon he did not apply to the authorities, but kept putting off and making excuses. And whenever any of those who were in office asked him why he did not come before the assembly, [*]( Or, about his not coming, according to Arnold, who objects to the common mode of explanation, by understanding διὰ before ὅτι.) he said that he was waiting for his colleagues; that owing to some engagement they had been left behind; he expected, however, that they would shortly come, and wondered that they were not already there.

When they heard this, they believed Themistocles through their friendship for him; but when every one else [*]( i.e. those who came from Athens, and could therefore speak to the fact. κατηγορούντων is thought by some to mean, charging him with the fact: but with that signification it would require a genitive case after it, (e.g. ch. 95. 7) and as none is expressed, I have preferred taking it in the more general sense.) came and distinctly informed them that the walls were building, and already advancing to some height, they did not know how to discredit it.