But the act had proved that Malchus was grateful for the kindness which had been shown him, and had cemented the friendship between them.

Therefore, when the campaign came to a close, he had offered a hearty invitation to Malchus to spend the time, until the army should again assemble, with him in his village on the banks of the Orcus.

Hannibal had smiled when Malchus had asked for leave of absence.
"Those daughters of the chief whom you presented to me on the day when we crossed the Po are the fairest I have seen in Gaul.

Malchus, are you thinking of keeping up the traditions of our family?
My father wedded all my sisters, as you know, to native princes in Africa, and I took an Iberian maiden as my wife.

It would be in every way politic and to be desired that one so nearly related to me as yourself should form an alliance by marriage with one of these Gaulish chiefs." Malchus laughed somewhat confusedly.
"It will be time to talk about marriage some years hence, Hannibal; I am scarce twenty yet, and she is but a girl." "Oh! there is a she in the case," Hannibal laughed; "and my arrow drawn at a venture has struck home.