Among the young officers who had followed Hannibal on board were some who had left Carthage only a few months before and were known to Malchus.

From them he learned with delight that the troops would take the field at once.
"We are going on a campaign against the Vacaei," one of them said.

"The army marched out two days since.

Hannibal has been waiting here for your arrival, for a fast sailing ship which started a few hours after you brought the news that you were on your way, and you will set off to join the rest without delay.

It is going to be a hard campaign." "Where is the country of the Vacaei ?" Malchus asked.
"A long way off," the other replied.