ction, obliging it to
surrender.

Several days went by without resumption of hostilities on the side
toward the river. The engines of war had been moved over to the foot of
the hill, and they directed their heavy projectiles against the farthest
walls of the Acropolis. These were old and had not been repaired, since
the Saguntines trusted in the impregnability of the steeps.

Moreover the number of defenders was insufficient to garrison the
extensive precincts of Saguntum, while the besieger had at his disposal
an immense armed multitude which could hurl itself against several
places at once.

One night in the Forum, Actaeon encountered Sonnica, who was seeking him,
followed by Alcon the Prudent.

"The Elders have need of you," said the beautiful Greek woman, with a
tone of sadness. "Behold Alcon, who wishes to speak with you."

"Listen, Athenian," said the Saguntine gravely. "The days are passing
and our needed succor does not come from Rome. Is it because our legates
have been unable to reach the territory of the allied nation, and that
the Senate of the great Republic is ignorant of our situation? Is it
because Rome imagines that Hannibal, repenting of his audacity, has
raised the siege? We need to know what our ally thinks concerning us. We
wish the Senate of Rome to know in detail what Saguntum is doing, and
the Ancients, at my suggestion, have thought of you."

"Of me? And what do they wish?" asked Actaeon in surprise, looking at the
mournful Sonnica.

"They wish you to start for Rome this very night. Here is gold! Take
also these tablets which will serve as credentials, so that the Senate
shall recognize you as an embassador extraordinary from Saguntum. We are
not sending you to a festival. The exit is difficult, and it will be
even more difficult to find, on these enemy-infested shores, anyone to
convey you to Rome. You should start to-night; this moment, if possible;
letting yourself down from the walls of the Acropolis, on the side
toward the mountains where there are fewer enemies; to-morrow may be
too late. Fly, and return soon with the aid which we await with
anguish!"

Actaeon took the gold and the tablets which Alcon offered him, but not
without making excuses, realizing the gravity of the undertaking.

"No one can perform the mission better," said the Saguntine; "that is
why I have turned to you. Your life has been spent running over the
world; you speak many tongues; and you are not lacking i