"So, here you are again, Malchus," Adherbal said. "I thought you
would soon be back. I am glad you have come, for Giscon here grows
monotonous as a companion. Nature in making him forgot to give him
that spice of humour which is to existence what seasoning is to
meat. I am ready to fight if it comes to fighting, to orate if
talking is necessary, and to do anything else which may be within
the limits of my powers, but I can't for the life of me take
matters as if the existence of the state depended on me alone. I
have already heard that all is well with you at home. I shall ride
out there and see your mother when this business is over. What
they can find to talk about so long I can't make out.

"The question is a simple one, surely. Will it be better for
Carthage at large, and our party in particular, for Hannibal to
stay at the head of the army in Spain, or to come home and bring
the influence of his popularity and reputation to bear upon the
populace? There is the question put in a nutshell, and if they can't
decide upon it let them toss up. There is virtue, I am ready to
maintain, in an appeal to dame Fortune.

"Look round now, Malchus, is it not amusing to study men's characters.
Look at little Philene going about among the groups, standing on
tiptoe to whisper into the ear first of one and then of another.
He prides himself on his knowledge of affairs, and in his heart
believes that he is shamefully wronged inasmuch as he is not
already on the secret committee.

"Look at Bomilca leaning against that pillar and lazily pulling
his mustache, an easygoing giant, who looks upon the whole thing