at they were about to be called upon to take the field.

"What say you, Malchus?" Hannibal asked that evening. "It is time now
that I gave you a command. As my near relative it is fitting that you
should be in authority. You have now served a campaign, and are eligible
for any command that I may give you. You have shown yourself prompt in
danger and worthy to command men. Which would you rather that I should
place under you--a company of these giant Gauls, of the steady Iberians,
of the well disciplined Libyans, or the active tribesmen of the desert?
Choose which you will, and they shall be yours."

Malchus thought for some time.

"In the day of battle," he said at last, "I would rather lead Gauls,
but, in such a march as you have told me you are meditating, I would
rather have a company of Numidian footmen to act as scouts and feel
the way for the army. There would not, perhaps, be so much glory to be
obtained, but there would be constant work and excitement, and this will
be far better than marching in the long column of the army."

"I think your choice is a good one," Hannibal replied. "Such a corps
will be needed to feel the way as we advance, to examine the roads and
indicate that by which the column had best move, and to guard against
ambushes and surprises. Tomorrow I will inspect the Numidian footmen
and will put them through their exercises. We will have foot races and
trials of skill with the bow, and I will bid their officers pick me out
two hundred of the most active and vigourous among them; these you
shall have under your command. You can choose among your comrades of the
guards one whom you would like to have as your lieutenant."

"I will take Trebon," Malchus said; "we fought side by side through the
last campaign. He is prompt and active, always cheerful under fatigue,
and as brave as a lion. I could not wish a better comrade."

"So be it," Hannibal replied, "henceforth you are captain of the
advanced company of the army. Remember, Malchus, that the responsibility
is a great one, and that henceforward there must be no more boyish
tricks. Your company will be the eyes of the army, and upon your
vigilance its safety, when we once start upon our expedition, will in
no slight degree depend. Remember, too, that you have by your conduct to
justify me in choosing my young kinsman for so important a post."

The next day the Numidians were put through their exercises, and by
nightfall the two hundred picke