nnibal viewed them with drooping lids, and the smile returned to his
lips. Perolla stirred slightly.

Again he addressed the Capuans, raising his voice somewhat, so that the
crowd might hear.

"What is your law for the punishment of such a crime?"

Those who had not recognized the assassin, cried out, "Death." Others,
divided between the more powerful enmity of Hannibal and the slower
revenge of Calavius, made their lips move but were silent, hoping to
escape notice in the shout of the others. A few of these were envious
of the young man's father; more feared him.

Hannibal noted their confusion and came to their relief.

"But perhaps so wicked a man is not a Capuan, after all. It is
difficult to believe that the gods would suffer such impiety to lurk in
a city so beloved as yours; and, if no one knows him--"

A chorus of disclaimers snatched at the proffered evasion, and the
smile on Hannibal's lips grew more subtle, as he said:--

"In that case, the treaty does not stand, and you, my fathers, are
relieved from the burden of his trial and punishment. I am still free
to condemn an ally of Rome. Let your rods and axe do their office."

The senators were standing now, and several of them winced and looked
frightened at the swift result of their complaisance. One, even,
gathered courage to say:--

"When is it my lord's will that punishment fall?"

Hannibal eyed him closely for a moment.

"Here, in your forum, and now," he said, "provided you would give
prompt warning to such vermin."

The Capuan shifted uneasily and looked down. Several of the soldiers
had already lifted Perolla to his feet, and, holding him upright, had
torn away what remained of his garments; others sent for the
executioners, and, in a moment, these appeared with the instruments of
their calling.

It was doubtful whether the prisoner had recovered full consciousness
when the first rod fell upon his shoulders, but he groaned and writhed
slightly in the grasp of the four soldiers who held him extended upon
the pavement.

Then Hannibal turned away, ordering one of his officers to remain and
see the end. He signed to the Capuans to follow him.

"Such jackals, my fathers, are not worthy that men of rank and wealth
should watch them die," he said lightly. "The rabble will provide him
with sufficient audience."

And the senators, with awed and thoughtful faces, followed in the train
of the captain-general of Carthage.

VIII