to befall our arms, that the Iberians will reconquer their soil,
that the mines will be lost, and we shall have to return to the
leather money of twenty years back."

So one by one Hamilcar despatched the groups round him on various
missions, until Malchus alone remained.

"You, Malchus, can, as you suggested, go down to the port; ask the
sailors and fishermen what will become of their trade were the
Roman galleys cruising in our bay. Point out that our conquests
in Spain have already caused the greatest alarm in Rome, and that
under Hannibal our arms will so flourish that Rome will be glad
to come to terms with us, and to leave us free to trade with the
world.

"Point out how great is the trade and commerce which Carthagena
has already produced. Ask them if they are willing that all this
shall be hazarded, in order that Hanno may gratify his personal
ambition, and his creatures may wring the last penny from the over
taxed people of Carthage. Don't try too much, my boy. Get together
a knot of men whom you know; prime them with argument, and send
them among their fellows. Tell them to work day and night, and
that you will see that their time is well paid. Find out if there
are any men who have special influence with their fellows, and
secure them on our side. Promise them what they will; the Syssite
will spend money like water to carry its object. Be discreet,
Malchus; when you have lit the fire, and see that it is well on
its way, withdraw quietly."

Malchus hurried off, and in half an hour was down by the port.