There would not, perhaps, be so much glory to be obtained, but there would be constant work and excitement, and this will be far better than marching in the long column of the army." "I think your choice is a good one," Hannibal replied.

"Such a corps will be needed to feel the way as we advance, to examine the roads and indicate that by which the column had best move, and to guard against ambushes and surprises.

Tomorrow I will inspect the Numidian footmen and will put them through their exercises.

We will have foot races and trials of skill with the bow, and I will bid their officers pick me out two hundred of the most active and vigourous among them; these you shall have under your command.

You can choose among your comrades of the guards one whom you would like to have as your lieutenant." "I will take Trebon," Malchus said; "we fought side by side through the last campaign.