All was quiet, save for the usual cries and noises in the forest.

In two hours he saw a distant glow of light, and was soon in the encampment of his friends.
"Why, Malchus!" his comrades exclaimed as he entered the tent, "where have you been these two days?
Why, you are splashed with blood.

Where are Halcon and Chalcus ?" "Dead," Malchus said--"devoured by wolves." A cry of horror broke from the three young guardsmen.
"`Tis too true," Malchus went on; "but give me food and wine.

I have neither eaten nor drunk for the last two days, and I have gone through a terrible time.

Even now I seem to see all round me countless cruel eyes, and hungry open mouths with their red tongues." Seeing that Malchus was utterly worn and exhausted his companions hastened to place food and drink before him before asking any further questions.
Malchus drank a cup of wine and took a mouthful of bread; but he was too faint and exhausted at present to eat more.