Vietnam or Thailand ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Updated: May 12, 2025
"It matters not," Malchus said indifferently; "I have no particular motive in concealing my name, though it would have been as well that I should be able to meet my friends in Carthage and consult with them before my arrival there was generally known.
They sat down in the shade of a clump of trees, and waited till the heat of the day was past; then they rose and walked on until, after darkness had fallen, they entered the town of Capua. They had no difficulty in discovering the palace where Hannibal was lodged. They were stopped at the entrance by the guards, who gave a cry of surprise and pleasure when Malchus revealed himself.
It was now light enough to enable them to see dimly the figures of the Roman sentries placed at short intervals round the camp. "We cannot get through unseen," Malchus said. "No, my lord," Nessus replied; "I have wasted too much time in finding you."
After proceeding for three or four hours a sudden exclamation from one of them caused the others to turn, and in the distance a black mass of horsemen was seen approaching. At a rapid run the natives started off for the shelter of a wood half a mile distant. Malchus was forced to accompany them.
"If honouring them means approval of shedding the blood of infants and captives, I will renounce all hopes of obtaining victory by their aid." "I would you had spoken so before, Malchus; had I known that you were a scorner of the gods I would not have asked you to join in our enterprise. No good fortune can be expected to attend our efforts unless we have the help of the gods."
Malchus mounted his horse and rode out through the narrow streets of the lower city, through the gateway leading into the suburb, then he loosed the rein and the horse started at a gallop along the broad road, lined with stately mansions, and in a quarter of an hour stopped in front of the villa of Hamilcar.
These also were furnished from the abundant spoils which had fallen into the hands of the Carthaginians. Hannibal directed Malchus that, in the event of his failing in his mission, he was not to trouble to send these things back, but was to retain them to win the friendship and goodwill of the chiefs of the country to which he proposed to journey.
Malchus had some difficulty in discovering it; but at last, after searching a long time he came upon it. The ground beneath the tree was everywhere trampled and torn by the wolves in their struggles, and was spotted with patches of dry blood.
After a time their vigilance is sure to relax, as they will think that I must have got beyond the walls." "Are there any to whom you would wish me to bear news that you are here?" This was a question which Malchus had debated with himself over and over again. It appeared to him, however, that Hanno's power was so great that it would be dangerous for anyone to come forward and accuse him.
Had Malchus been aware that the ship in which he had taken passage was one of the great fleet of traders owned by Hanno, he would have regarded the discovery of his personality by the sailors in a more serious light; as it was, he thought no more of the matter.
Word Of The Day
Others Looking