asm I
keep at white heat by sending them riches sacked on the Peninsula, after
having paid my troops. Hamilcar and Hasdrubal did the same. They would
be ready to cut off the heads of the rich if anything were attempted
against Hannibal. Since following my father for nine years, I have not
returned to Carthage, but the people adore my name. Even those of the
peace-party will follow me to war, if to war I drag them."

"And how will you conquer Rome?"

"I know not," said Hannibal with his mysterious smile. "I harbor a world
of thoughts which would provoke the laughter of my friends if I should
relate them. I see myself like a Titan scaling immense mountains,
following the course of the eagle, ploughing through the snow, climbing
to the very sky to fall upon my enemy with greater force. Ask me no
more; I know nothing further. My will says, 'I desire,' and that is
enough--I shall carry it through!"

Hannibal was silent, wrinkling his brows as if fearing he had said too
much.

It was now daylight. Women with baskets on their heads were passing
along the road. Two slaves carrying a great amphora hanging from a pole
swung between their shoulders, stopped near them a moment to rest. The
African patted his horse's neck as if preparing to leave.

"For the last time, Greek, will you come?"

Actaeon shook his head.

"I know you too well to beg you to forget that you have seen Hannibal.
You are astute. You know that what we have spoken here must be swallowed
in the silence of the fields, and must be repeated to no one. Be happy
in your new love, and live in peace, since, though born to soar as an
eagle, you choose to stay here in a barnyard. If ever you oppose me as
an enemy and contend against me, I will not crucify you; you shall not
become my slave. I love you, although you will not follow me. I do not
forget that you were the first who taught me to hurl a dart. May Baal
guard you, Actaeon! My men await me at the port."

His mantle floating in the breeze, he started on a gallop, raising a
cloud of dust, scattering the country people and slaves, who scurried to
the sides of the road to give him passage.

CHAPTER IV

GREEK AND CELTIBERIAN.

Actaeon told no one of his meeting. Moreover, after a few days he had
almost forgotten it. Seeing the city tranquil, busy in preparation for
the great Panathenaic festival, trusting in its protecting alliance with
Rome, the recollection of the interview with the African assu