ore
they followed. Malchus remained for some little time in the side street
before he sallied out and took his way after them. After he saw two of
the natives leave the other, he quickened his steps and passed the
man, who proceeded alone towards the palace, a short distance before he
arrived there. As he did so he glanced at his face, and recognized him
as one of the attendants who waited at Hannibal's table. Malchus did
not turn his head, however, but kept straight on his way and entered the
palace as usual.

"Malchus," the captain of the guard laughed as he went in, "assuredly
I shall have to tell Hamilcar of your doings. Last night you entered an
hour after every one had retired to rest, tonight you are back in better
time, but assuredly you have not been to the Syssite in that hunting
cap. This savours of a mystery. Do not pretend to me that you have
been looking after your company of Numidians at this time of the night,
because, did you swear it by Astarte, I should not believe you."

"No; I think I could invent a better story than that if I were put to
it," Malchus said with a laugh; "but as I am not obliged to invent one
at all, I will leave you to do so for me. In truth I have been about
some private business, but what that business is is a profound secret."

"A secret of state, no doubt," the officer rejoined. "Well, I will say
nothing this time; but do not let it occur again, or I shall think that
some Iberian maiden has captured that susceptible heart of yours."

After Malchus had reached his chamber he sat down for some time in
deep thought. It was clear to him that something was wrong. This secret
meeting of the two Carthaginians with natives, one of whom was employed
in Hannibal's household, could mean no good. Money had passed, too, and,
judging from the size and apparent weight of the bag, no inconsiderable
amount. What could it mean? It was but a few months before that
Hasdrubal had fallen beneath the dagger of a native servant. Could this
be a plot against the life of Hannibal?

The two Carthaginians were connected with Hanno, and might well be
agents employed to rid him of his great rival. And yet he had heard
nothing which would justify his bringing so grave an accusation against
these men. The money which he had seen exchanged might be for the price
of a horse or of a slave, and he might only make himself ridiculous
were he to speak to Hannibal or his father as to what had occurred. He
decided