me, I will introduce you to my friends, who are banded together
against this tyranny, and who are sworn to save Carthage. You are
young, but you are brave and full of ardour; you are a son of
General Hamilcar, and my friends will gladly receive you as one
of us."

Malchus did not hesitate. That there would be danger in joining
such a body as Giscon spoke of he knew, but the young officer's
talk during their expedition had aroused in him a deep sense of
the tyranny and corruption which were sapping the power or his
country, and this blow which had struck him personally rendered
him in a mood to adopt any dangerous move.

"I will join you, Giscon," he said, "if you will accept me. I am
young, but I am ready to go all lengths, and to give my life if
needs be to free Carthage."



CHAPTER V: THE CONSPIRACY


Giscon led his companion along the narrow lanes until he reached the
back entrance of the house where the meetings were held. Knocking
in a particular way it was opened at once and closed behind them.
As they entered a slave took Malchus' horse without a word and
fastened it to a ring in the wall, where four or five other horses
were standing.

"I rather wonder you are not afraid of drawing attention by riding