attack upon the other sides, and then returned to the side facing
the other grove, where the soldiers were keeping up a steady fire
at the enemy.

The latter were at present concentrating their attention upon their
attack upon the main body. Their scouts on the hills during the
previous day had no doubt ascertained that the Carthaginian force
was encamped here, and the occupants of the smaller grove would
fall easy victims after they had dealt with the main body. The
fight was raging furiously here. The natives had crept up close
before they were discovered by the sentries, and with a fierce
rush they had fallen upon the troops before they had time to seize
their arms and gather in order.

The fight raged hand to hand, bows twanged and arrows flew, the
light javelins were hurled at close quarters with deadly effect,
the shrill cries of the Numidians mingled with the deeper shouts
of the Iberians and the yells of the natives. Hamilcar stood for
a minute irresolute.

"They are neglecting us," he said to Adherbal, "until they have
finished with the main body; we must go to their assistance. At
present our men are fighting without order or regularity. Unless
their leaders are with them they are lost, our presence will
encourage and reanimate them. Bring up the elephants quickly."

The three elephants were at once brought forward, their drivers
mounted on their necks. Four soldiers with their bows and arrows
took their places on the back of each, the general with the rest
of the fighting men followed closely behind.