So, upon hearing that the four unknown ships have left Tarentum for the second time in the direction of Sicily and now are at Lokroi, Nicias does take precautionary measures-but what he does not know is that he is actually dealing with his opposite number, a Spartan general. On the other hand, Gylippus, upon receiving, apparently while still at Lokroi, information about the four approaching Athenian vessels, prefers, rather than facing them, to anticipate their moves (and actually does manage to anticipate, 1.2) by quickly sneaking through the strait, on the way putting in at friendly Rhegium (today's Reggio di Calabria) and Messene (today's Messina).