ns to make out their form or equipment--just a
long, dense array that seemed dark or light in spots. Now and again a
trumpet rang out its distant note of defiance; now and again some
portion of the line seemed to manoeuvre or change front, as if to tempt
attack, while from time to time a flurry of horsemen--dark-skinned
riders, bending low upon the necks of wiry little steeds and urging
them with shrill, barbarous cries--swept almost up to the ditch, and
brandished their darts, making obscene gestures and shouting words that
brought the blood to the faces of the garrison, though they understood
not the tongue that uttered them.

A circle of officers surrounded the dictator's tent. Some were silent
and shamefaced; some were vociferous of their desire to be allowed to
go forth and fight, or, at least, to lead out the cavalry to chastise
the insolence of slaves and barbarians; all were wondering and
dissatisfied. Few, however, ventured to express their full thoughts.
There was a something in the very mildness of the general that
discouraged too direct criticism. Only Minucius, presuming, perhaps on
his position of second in command, perhaps on his contempt for the
great houses, sought the dictator's presence and spoke as if half to
him, half to the company of officers. Even his first words but thinly
veiled his feelings.

"The enemy await us in line of battle, my master, but I do not see the
red flag above your tent. Is it your will that the standards be
advanced?"

"No, Marcus, it is not my will, or the signal would have been
displayed," said Fabius, calmly.

"The troops are eager to be led out; the enemy insult us up to the very
ditch. Italy is wasted," went on Minucius; but, as if slightly cowed
by the deep, gray eyes, his tone seemed less aggressive.

Fabius paused a moment, before answering, and glanced around upon the
lowering faces of legates and tribunes. Then he said:--

"It is proper, Quirites, that I should say something to you of my
plans. Our men are new--untried. Those that have seen service have
seen defeat. The enemy are flushed with victory, full of confidence in
themselves and their general, well seasoned in battle. Has the
Republic a new army if this be lost? But happily there is another side
to the picture. We are in our own lands. Our supplies are
inexhaustible; _we_ receive; _they_ must take. We shall wear them out
in skirmishes, cut off their foragers--men whom they cannot repl