Hannibal moved up the Po and prepared to cross that river at Gambio, two days' easy march above its junction with the Ticino.

The army was accompanied by a considerable number of the Insubres.

The work of constructing a bridge was at once commenced.
Malchus, riding through the camp, came upon the tents of his late host, who had been joined that day by his family.

To them Malchus did the honours of the camp, took them through the lines of the Carthaginian cavalry, showed them the elephants, and finally conducted them to Hannibal, who received them most kindly, and presented them with many presents in token of his thanks for their care of his kinsman.

The next day the bridge was completed and the troops began to pass over, the natives crowding to the banks and even venturing on the bridge to witness the imposing procession of the troops.
Malchus remained with Hannibal in the rear, but seeing that there was a delay as the elephants crossed, he was ordered to ride on to the bridge and see what was the matter.