in the encounter. The arms were gathered up, and the party returned
to their camp, and the next day started for Carthagena for, after that
experience, none cared for any further hunting.

It was some weeks before Malchus completely recovered from the effects
of the strain he had undergone. His nights were disturbed and restless.
He would constantly start from his couch, thinking that he heard the
howl of the wolves, and any sudden noise made him start and turn pale.
Seeing how shaken his young kinsmen was, and what he had passed through,
Hannibal sent him several times in ships which were going across to
Africa for stores. He did not venture to send him to Carthage; for
although his influence with the commissioners had been sufficient to
annul the order of the council for the sending of Malchus as a prisoner
there, it was probable that were he to return he would be seized and put
to death--not for the supposed crime he had committed, but to gratify
the hatred of Hanno against himself and his adherents.

The sea voyages soon restored Malchus to his accustomed health. Trained
and disciplined as his body had been by constant exercise, his nerves
were not easily shaken, and soon recovered their tone, and when, early
in March, he rejoined his regiment, he was able to enter with zest and
energy into the preparations which Hannibal was making for the siege of
Saguntum. Difficult as this operation would be, the preparations
which were being made appeared enormous. Every week ships brought over
reinforcements of troops, and the Iberian contingents were largely
increased.

One day Malchus entered an apartment where his father and Hannibal were
talking earnestly together with a large map spread out before them. He
would have retired at once, but Hannibal called him in.

"Come in, Malchus, I would have no secrets from you. Although you are
young I know that you are devoted to Carthage, that you are brave and
determined. I see in you what I was myself at your age, but nine years
ago, and it may be that some day you will be destined to continue the
work which I am beginning. You, too, have commenced early, your training
has been severe. As your father's son and my cousin your promotion will
naturally be rapid. I will, therefore, tell you my plans. It is clear
that Rome and Carthage cannot both exist--one or the other must be
destroyed. It is useless to strike at extremities, the blow must be
dealt at the heart. Unfortunately our