"My friends," I began, "our mission is accomplished. King David's demands are met; King Hiram's orders are fulfilled. King David's subjects are at liberty to return to Palestine, and I have brought them here to bid them all farewell."
Chamai started to his feet impatiently, and looking at me with a keen and earnest scrutiny, asked what I meant.
"What I mean," I continued, "is soon told. I propose to put all my silver on board the Dagon, and to place her under the command of Hasdrubal. In the Dagon you, too, can return. Hasdrubal shall have orders to land you and Abigail and Hannibal, and whoever else may choose to accompany you, at Joppa."
Upon hearing this, Hannibal, in a voice agitated with emotion, called out:
"And you? What about yourself? And are not Himilco, Hamilcar, and Gisgo to go back with us?"
"Not one of them," I answered; "we have other work to do."
A blank silence fell upon them all. Hannibal gazed at me in bewilderment, big tears gathering in his eyes; Chamai broke his reverie by bringing his fist down so violently upon a chair that it broke under the blow; and after a space, Bichri began softly to whistle one of the melodies of his tribe, his usual way of trying to exhibit a contemptuous indifference.
Chamai was the first to speak.