. After several vain efforts he abandoned the attempt, and
sitting down endeavoured to realize the position. He soon arrived at
something like the truth: the trading interests of Carthage were wholly
at the disposal of Hanno and his party, and he doubted not that, having
been recognized, the captain had determined to detain him as a prisoner
until he communicated to Hanno the fact of his arrival, and received
instructions from him as to whether Malchus was to be allowed to land.

Malchus recalled the sounds he had heard in the night, and uttered
an exclamation of grief and anger as he concluded that his faithful
follower had been attacked and doubtless killed and thrown overboard. At
present he was powerless to do anything, and with his sword grasped in
his hand he lay on the couch in readiness to start up and fight his way
out, as soon as he heard those without undoing the fastenings of the
door.

The day passed slowly. He could hear voices without and footsteps on the
deck of the poop overhead, but no one came near him; and after a time
his watchfulness relaxed, as he made up his mind that his captors,
whatever their intentions might be, would not attempt to carry them out
until after nightfall. At last he heard a moving of the heavy articles
which had been piled against the door; he sprang to his feet, the door
opened two or three inches, and a voice said:

"In the name of the republic I declare you to be my prisoner."

"I warn you I shall resist," Malchus exclaimed. "I am Malchus, the son
of Hamilcar, late a general of the republic, and I come to Carthage on a
mission from Hannibal. Whatever complaint the state may have against me
I am ready to answer at the proper time, and shall not fail to appear
when called upon; but at present I have Hannibal's mission to discharge,
and those who interfere with me are traitors to the republic, whomsoever
they may be, and I will defend myself until the last."

"Open the door and seize him," a voice exclaimed.

As the door was opened Malchus sprang forward, but the lights of several
lanterns showed a dozen men with levelled spears standing in front of
the cabin.

"I surrender," he said, seeing that against such a force as this
resistance would be vain, "but in the name of Hannibal I protest against
this interference with the messenger whom he has sent to explain, in his
name, to the senate the situation in Italy."

So saying Malchus laid down his shield and sword, took of