On low stools by a fire two Carthaginians were sitting, while four natives were seated on the rushes which covered the floor.

Malchus recognized the Carthaginians at once, for they were members of the troop in which he had served.
Neither of them were men popular among their fellows, for they belonged to families closely related to Hanno.

They had always, however, professed the greatest admiration for Hannibal, and had declared that for their part they altogether repudiated the doings of the party to which their family belonged.
The conversation was carried on in low tones, a precaution absolutely necessary in the day when glass windows were unknown, unless the discourse was upon general subjects.

Malchus listened attentively, but although he thought he caught the words Hanno and Hannibal repeated several times, he was unable to hear more.

At the end of the half hour the conference was apparently at an end, for all rose to their feet.
One of the Carthaginians put a bag, which was evidently heavy, into the hands of one of the natives, and the party then went out.