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 ever catches my eye again with any such behavior I'll have him put out of the way instantly. I'll tolerate no such weakmindedness."

"Give him a chance," Mago repeated.

"Tie him up, anyhow," his brother ordered. While two of the orderlies tied the boy hand and foot the scout resumed his tormenting of Barranith. Trunk and spear, never touching, fenced in the air, the elephant shrilling his indignation. Then a second time the javelin tore through the thin flesh of the flapping ear.

"Be warned, lord," the mahout called from his bush. "His strength is as his rage. Anger him yet again and he will tear free."

"Is he angry enough?" the scout inquired.

"Too angry already, lord," the mahout replied. "Much too angry already."

"Keep back there," the scout called sharply. "Don't let him see you."

The mahout retreated through the bushes; the scout made a detour about the frenzied elephant and joined the mahout.

They walked to where Hannibal's horse was held by one of his underlings.

"Did he see you?" the scout inquired.

"Perhaps," the mahout answered doubtfully, "certainly he heard me."

"Does he blame you?" Hannibal went on.

"If he does," said the mahout resignedly, "he