Malchus stepped to the corner and caught the words, "Tomorrow night, then, without fail." The party then separated, the Carthaginians passing straight on, the natives waiting until they had gone some little distance ahead before they followed.

Malchus remained for some little time in the side street before he sallied out and took his way after them.

After he saw two of the natives leave the other, he quickened his steps and passed the man, who proceeded alone towards the palace, a short distance before he arrived there.

As he did so he glanced at his face, and recognized him as one of the attendants who waited at Hannibal's table.

Malchus did not turn his head, however, but kept straight on his way and entered the palace as usual.
"Malchus," the captain of the guard laughed as he went in, "assuredly I shall have to tell Hamilcar of your doings.