trembling at the clash of his armour."

Malchus joined heartily in the laugh about himself.

"I shall never grow to be a general," he said, "unless you get me
some food; it is past midday, and I have not broken my fast this
morning. I warn you that I shall not tell you a word of our adventures
until I have eaten, therefore the sooner you order a meal to be
served the better."

The meal was speedily served, and then for an hour Malchus sat with
his mother and sisters, giving them a history of the expedition.
There was a little playful grumbling on the part of his sisters
when he told them that he was going to return to the Syssite to
hear what had been determined by the conclave.

"Surely you can wait until our father returns here, Malchus," Thyra,
the elder, said.

"Yes; but I may be useful," Malchus replied. "There will be lots
to be done, and we shall all do our utmost."

"Listen to him, mother," Anna, the younger sister, said, clapping
her hands; "this comes of slaying lions and combating with the
Atarantes; do not let us hinder him; beg the slaves to bring round
a horse instantly. Carthage totters, let Malchus fly to its support.
What part are you thinking of taking, my brother, do you mean to
harangue the people, or to urge the galley slaves to revolt, or to
lead the troops against the council?"