He therefore gave the signal by shouting "Carthage," and at once with his followers fell upon one flank of the natives, for such their dress showed them to be, while Trebon attacked them on the other.

There was a shout of surprise and alarm at the unexpected onslaught, and several were cut down at once.

The others, drawing their swords, began to defend themselves, trying at the same time to retreat to the door, through which, however, many others were still pressing in.

For a few minutes a severe fight went on, and the numbers and desperation of Carpadon's followers began to tell, and, in spite of the efforts of Malchus and the Numidians, they would have been forced to fall back and allow the others to pass out, had not help been at hand.
The shouting and clashing of weapons had awakened the palace, and the officer of the guard with ten of his men, some of them bearing torches, came running at full speed from their post at the chief entrance.

As the guard came up and stood gazing uncertain what to do, or among whom the conflict was raging, Malchus for a moment drew out from the fray.
"Seize and disarm all the natives," he said; "the Numidians are here by my orders." The instant the soldiers understood the situation they fell to, and the natives, whose retreat was cut off by the Numidians, were speedily disarmed; those nearer to the door had, the instant they saw the torches approaching, taken to flight.
A moment later Hannibal, Hamilcar, and many other officers resident at the palace came running up.
"What means this fray, Malchus ?" "It means an attempt upon your life, Hannibal, which I have been fortunate enough to discover and defeat." "Who are these men ?" Hamilcar asked.
"So far as I know they are natives," Malchus replied.