Hamilcar was very dear to him.

He had been his companion and his friend, his guide and adviser.

He had encouraged him in his aspirations, and had from his earliest years urged him to make the sacrifices and exertions necessary to qualify him to bear a prominent part under his cousin Hannibal.
He had been his tutor in arms, and had striven to inspire him with the noblest sentiments.

Since they had reached Spain he had seen less of him than before, for Hamilcar felt that it was best for his son to depend upon himself alone.

He was proud of the name which Malchus was already winning for himself, and knew that it was better for him that his advancement should be considered due to his own exertions and gallantry and not to the influence of his father.
When, however, they were thrown together, their relations were unchanged.