e had encouraged him in his aspirations,
and had from his earliest years urged him to make the sacrifices and
exertions necessary to qualify him to bear a prominent part under his
cousin Hannibal.

He had been his tutor in arms, and had striven to inspire him with the
noblest sentiments. Since they had reached Spain he had seen less of him
than before, for Hamilcar felt that it was best for his son to depend
upon himself alone. He was proud of the name which Malchus was already
winning for himself, and knew that it was better for him that his
advancement should be considered due to his own exertions and gallantry
and not to the influence of his father.

When, however, they were thrown together, their relations were
unchanged. Malchus was as affectionate, as respectful, and as eager to
listen to his father's advice, as he had been as a boy, while Hamilcar
was glad in the society of his son to forget the cares and toils of the
expedition in which they had embarked and to talk of the dear ones at
home.

It was only three days before the battle that they had rejoiced together
over the news which had reached them by a messenger from Gaul that
Thyra had married Adherbal, and had immediately set out with him for
Carthagena, where Adherbal had been offered a command by Hannibal's
brother Hasdrubal, the governor of Spain, in his absence.

Father and son had rejoiced at this for several reasons. Hanno's
faction had now gained the upper hand, and the friends of Hannibal were
subjected to persecution of all kinds. The very life of Adherbal as a
prominent member of the Barcine party had been menaced. And it was
only by embarking secretly for Spain that he had succeeded in avoiding
arrest. The property of many of Hannibal's friends had been confiscated.
Several had been put to death under one pretext or another, and although
Hamilcar did not think that Hanno's faction would venture to bring
forward any accusation against him while he was fighting the battles
of his country, he experienced a sense of relief at the knowledge that,
should the worst happen, his wife and Anna would find a refuge and
asylum with Adherbal in Spain. Hamilcar and Malchus had discussed the
matter long and seriously, and had talked, Hamilcar with sorrow, Malchus
with indignation and rage, of the state of Carthage.

"It makes one hate one's country," Malchus exclaimed passionately, "when
one hears of these things. You taught me to love Carthage, father, and