As they rode through the streets they had noticed that the population appeared singularly quiet and dejected, and the agitation which reigned in the club showed them that something unusual had happened.

Groups of men were standing talking excitedly in the great hall.

Others with dejected mien were pacing the marble pavement.

As Hamilcar entered, several persons hurried up to him.
"Welcome back again!" they exclaimed; "your presence is most opportune at this sad moment." "What has happened ?" Hamilcar asked; "I have but this moment arrived, and rode straight here to hear the news of what has taken place in my absence." "What! have you not heard ?" they exclaimed; "for the last four days nothing else has been talked of, nothing else thought of--Hasdrubal has been assassinated!" Hamilcar recoiled a step as if struck.
"Ye gods!" he exclaimed, "can this be so?
Hasdrubal the handsome, as he was well called, the true patriot, the great general, the eloquent orator, the soul of generosity and patriotism, our leader and hope, dead! Surely it cannot be." "It is too true, Hamilcar.

Hasdrubal is dead--slain by the knife of an Iberian, who, it seems, has for months been in his service, awaiting the chance for revenge for some injuries which his family or people have suffered from our arms.
"It is a terrible blow.