Malchus, had, therefore, had no difficulty in passing into his apartment, one by one, ten picked men of his company.

They had orders to remain there perfectly quiet, and Trebon also took post with them, Malchus telling him to make some excuse or other to prevent any attendant or slave from entering the apartment while he was absent.
There was a concert that evening; the palace was crowded with guests.
From time to time Malchus stole away to his room, where the Numidians were seated on the ground silent and immovable as so many bronze statues.

At other times he kept near Hannibal, watching closely the movements of every native who passed near him; and ready to spring forward instantly if he saw any signs of an evil intention.

However, he did not much apprehend, that even if his suspicions were correct and a plot was on foot against Hannibal, any attempt would be made to assassinate him in the midst of a crowded assembly, where there would be no possibility of escape for the perpetrators of such a deed.

At last the guests began to depart, and an hour later all was quiet in the palace.