insignificant persons.

The halo of tradition still surrounded the judges, and added to
the fear inspired by their terrible and unlimited power. In such
an attack the Barcine party could not rely upon the population
to side with them; for, while comparatively few were personally
affected by the arrests which had taken place, the fear of future
consequences would operate upon all.

Among the younger members of the party, however, the indignation
aroused by these secret blows was deep. Giscon, who was continually
brooding over the tyranny and corruption which were ruining his
country, was one of the leaders of this section of the party; with
him were other spirits as ardent as himself. They met in a house
in a quiet street in the lower town, and there discussed all sorts
of desperate projects for freeing the city of its tyrants.

One day as Giscon was making his way to this rendezvous he met
Malchus riding at full speed from the port.

"What is it, Malchus, whither away in such haste?"

"It is shameful, Giscon, it is outrageous. I have just been down to
the port to tell the old fisherman with whom I often go out that
I would sail with him tomorrow, and find that four days ago he was
missing, and his body was yesterday found by his sons floating in
the lagoon. He had been strangled. His sons are as much overpowered
with terror as by grief, they believe that he has suffered for the
part he took in rousing the fishermen to declare for Hannibal a
fortnight since, and they fear lest the terrible vengeance of Hanno