e to stretch her in the dust. A mighty effort is
needed to overthrow once for all our great rival.

"Sacrifices will be needed, and great ones, to obtain the object, but
Rome once fallen the future of Carthage is secure. What is needed is
that Carthage should obtain and keep the command of the sea for two
years, that at least twenty-five thousand men should be sent over in the
spring, and as many in the spring following. With such reinforcements I
will undertake to destroy absolutely the power of Rome. Tomorrow I will
furnish you with letters to our friends at home, giving full details as
to the course they should pursue and particulars of our needs.

"A party of horse shall accompany you to the coast, with a score of men
used to navigation. There you will seize a ship and sail for Corinth,
whence you will have no difficulty in obtaining passage to Carthage."

After nightfall the next day Malchus started, taking Nessus with him as
his attendant and companion. The party travelled all night, and in the
morning the long line of the sea was visible from the summits of the
hills they were crossing. They waited for some hours to rest and refresh
their horses, and then, continuing their journey, came down in the
afternoon upon a little port at the mouth of the river Biferno. So
unexpected was their approach that the inhabitants had not time to shut
their gates, and the troops entered the town without resistance, the
people all flying to their houses.

Malchus at once proclaimed that the Carthaginians came as friends, and
would, if, unmolested, injure no one; but if any armed attempt was made
against them they would sack and destroy the town. Two or three vessels
were lying in the port; Malchus took possession of the largest, and,
putting his party of seamen on board her, ordered the crew to sail
for Corinth. The horsemen were to remain in the town until the vessel
returned, when, with the party on board her, they would at once rejoin
Hannibal.

The wind was favourable, and the next morning the mountains of Greece
were in sight, and in the afternoon they entered the port of Corinth.
The anchor was dropped at a short distance from the shore, the small
boat was lowered, and Malchus, accompanied by Nessus, was rowed ashore
by two of his own men. These then returned on board the ship, which at
once weighed anchor and set sail on her return.

Corinth was a large and busy port, and the arrival and departure of
the little vessel