Malchus returned with this news to Hannibal, who prepared to take advantage of it.

The camp was at once pitched, and the men set to work to form an intrenchment round it as if Hannibal meditated a prolonged halt there.

Great fires were lit and the animals unloaded.

The natives, seeing from above everything that was being done, deserted their posts as usual at nightfall, confident that the Carthaginians had no intention of moving forward.
Malchus with his scouts crept on along the path, and soon sent down word to Hannibal that the heights were deserted.

The general himself now moved forward with all his light troops, occupied the head of the pass, and posted strong parties of men upon the heights commanding it.