The march was a short one, but after a week's confinement on board ship the men were little fitted for a long journey.

The bullocks and other rations were served out to the various companies, and the work of preparing the repast began.

Malchus was amused, although rather disgusted at his first experience in a real campaign.

When with Hamilcar on the expedition against the Atarantes he had formed part of his father's suite and had lived in luxury.

He was now a simple soldier, and was called upon to assist to cut up the bullock which had fallen to the share of the Carthaginian cavalry.
Some of the party went out to cut and bring in wood for the fires and cooking; others moistened the flour and made dough for the flat cakes which would be baked in the hot embers and eaten with the meat.
Loud shouts of laughter rose as the young soldiers worked at their unaccustomed tasks, superintended by the officers, who, having all made several campaigns, were able to instruct them as to their duties.