we may feel sympathy for the failure and fate of the noble and
chivalrous Hannibal himself, we cannot regret that Rome came out
conqueror in the strife, and was left free to carry out her great
work of civilization.

Yours sincerely,

G. A. Henty



CHAPTER I: THE CAMP IN THE DESERT


It is afternoon, but the sun's rays still pour down with great power
upon rock and sand. How great the heat has been at midday may be
seen by the quivering of the air as it rises from the ground and
blurs all distant objects. It is seen, too, in the attitudes and
appearance of a large body of soldiers encamped in a grove. Their
arms are thrown aside, the greater portion of their clothing has
been dispensed with. Some lie stretched on the ground in slumber,
their faces protected from any chance rays which may find their
way through the foliage above by little shelters composed of their
clothing hung on two bows or javelins. Some, lately awakened, are
sitting up or leaning against the trunks of the trees, but scarce
one has energy to move.

The day has indeed been a hot one even for the southern edge of
the Libyan desert. The cream coloured oxen stand with their heads
down, lazily whisking away with their tails the flies that torment