his thanks for their care of his kinsman. The next
day the bridge was completed and the troops began to pass over, the
natives crowding to the banks and even venturing on the bridge to
witness the imposing procession of the troops.

Malchus remained with Hannibal in the rear, but seeing that there was a
delay as the elephants crossed, he was ordered to ride on to the bridge
and see what was the matter. Finding the crowd too great to enable him
to pass on horseback, Malchus gave his horse to a soldier and pressed
forward on foot. When he reached the head of the column of elephants he
found that one of the leading animals, entertaining a doubt as to the
stability of the bridge at this point, obstinately refused to move
further. Ordering the mahout to urge the animal forward, and telling
some soldiers to prick the beast with a spear from behind, Malchus
entered into conversation with the wife and daughters of the Insubrian
chief, who had received from Hannibal a special order allowing them to
take up their position on the bridge to witness their crossing.

While he was speaking to them the elephant suddenly wheeled round
and, trumpeting loudly, tried to force his way back. A scene of wild
confusion ensued. The crowd gave way before him, several soldiers were
thrust off the bridge into the river, and Malchus and his companions
were borne along by the crowd; there was a little cry, and Malchus saw
the youngest of the girls pushed off the bridge into the river.

He flung off his helmet, unbuckled the fastenings of his breast plate
and back piece, undid the belt of his sword, and leaped in. As he rose
to the surface he heard a merry laugh beside him, and saw the girl
swimming quietly close by. Although mortified at having so hastily
assumed that she was unable to take care of herself he joined in her
laugh, and swam by her side until they reached the bank some distance
down. Encumbered by the trappings which he still retained, Malchus had
far more difficulty than the girl in gaining the shore.

"What, did you think," she asked, laughing as he struggled up the bank,
"that I, a Gaulish maiden, could not swim?"

"I did not think anything about it," Malchus said; "I saw you pushed in
and followed without thinking at all."

Although they imperfectly understood each other's words the meaning was
clear; the girl put her hand on his shoulder and looked frankly up in
his face.

"I thank you," she said, "just the same as if you h