as a nuisance, but who, if he received orders from the conclave,
would put himself at the head of the Libyans, and would march to
storm Hanno's house, and to slaughter his Nubian guard without a
question.

"Look at Magon's face of importance as he walks about without
speaking to anyone. He is trying to convey to all the impression
that he knows perfectly well what is going on inside, and could if
he chose tell you what the decision will be. There is Carthalon,
who is thinking at present, I warrant, more of the match which he
has made of his Arab steed against that of his comrade Phano, than
of the matter in hand. But see, there is a stir, the curtains are
drawing aside at last, the meeting is over."

As he spoke the heavy curtains which shut off an inner room from
the hall were drawn aside, and the council of the Syssite came
out. Each was speedily surrounded by a group of the members of his
own family, or those who specially looked up to him as a leader.
Malchus and the two young officers were among those who gathered
round Hamilcar.

"It has been decided," the general said, "that Hannibal shall
be retained in his command. Therefore, now let all set to work,
each in his own sphere. The populace must be stirred up. We have
a small majority in the council, but the middle class, the men who
will vote, are with Hanno. Some have been bought with his gold,
some of the weak fools dream that Carthage can be great simply as a
trading power without army or navy, and think only of the present
advantage they would gain by remission of taxation. It is these
we have to fear, and we must operate upon them by means of the