s, had armed his Gaulish troops only with their long straight
swords. These were without point, and made for cutting only, and were
in the hands of these powerful tribesmen terrible weapons. These swords
were not those they had been accustomed to carry, which were made of
copper only, and often bent at the first blow, but were especially made
for them in Carthage of heavy steel, proof against all accident.

The march was conducted with all military precautions, although
they were still traversing a country which had been already subdued.
Nevertheless they moved as if expecting an instant attack. The light
horse scoured the country. The lithe and active soldiers furnished by
the desert tribes formed the advanced guard of the army, and marched
also on its flanks, while the heavy armed soldiery marched in solid
column ready for battle. Behind them came the long train of baggage
protected by a strong rear guard.

At last they reached a fertile country, and were now in the land of the
Vacaei and their allies. Arbocala, now called Tordesillas, was captured
without much difficulty. The siege was then laid to Salamanca, the chief
town of the enemy. In the actual siege operations the Carthaginian
horse took no part. The place resisted vigourously, but the machines
of Hannibal effected a breach in the walls, and the inhabitants,
seeing that further resistance was impossible, offered to capitulate,
stipulating that they should be allowed to depart unharmed, leaving
behind them all their arms and their treasure.

The Carthaginian army were drawn up in readiness to march into the town
as the Vacaei came out. As they filed past the Carthaginians they were
inspected to see that they had carried out the terms of the agreement.
It was found that they had done so rigidly--not an arm of any kind was
found upon them. Their necklaces, bracelets, and ornaments had all been
left behind.

"What a savage looking race!" Malchus remarked to Trebon; "they look at
us as if they would gladly spring on us, unarmed as they are, and
tear us with their hands. They are well nigh as dark skinned as the
Numidians."

"Here come their women!" Trebon said; "verily I would as soon fight the
men as these creatures. Look how they glare at us! You see they have
all had to give up their ornaments, so they have each their private
grievance as well as their national one."

When the whole of the population had filed out, the Carthaginian army
entered the town,