The envoys who were sent to Syphax were accompanied 妙some first-rank centurions, men of tried courage and sagacity, ere disguised as camp-servants. whilst the envoys were ference these men strolled about the camp noting all adits and exits, the general arrangement of the camp, positions of the Carthaginians and Numidians, respectively, and the distance between Hasdrubal's camp and that of Syphax. They also watched the methods adopted in posting the watches guards, to see whether a surprise attack would be better e by night or by day. The conferences were pretty frequent, different men were purposely sent each time in order that these details might become known to a larger number. As the discussions went on with increasing frequency, Syphax, and through him the Carthaginians, fully expected that peace would be attained with a few days. Suddenly the Roman envoys announced that they had been forbidden to return to headquarters unless a definite reply were梦ven. Syphax must either say what h e had made up his mind to do or, if it was necessary for hint to consult Hasdrubal and the Carthaginians, he should do so;the time had come for either a peace settlement or an energetic resumption of hostilities二 Whilst Syphax was consulting Hasdrubal and the Cartha颐nians. the Roman spies had time to visit everv Dart of the came. and SciDio was able 袱几l i 1 to make all his arranzements. The prospect of peace had.as 、.，几二1 I usuauy Happens, made %3yl on the alert to guard against any hostile attempt which might be made in the meantime. At last a reDlIT came. but as the Romans were supposed to be anxious for peace. the ODDortunity i a 1 1 1 L砂 was taken of adding some unacceptable conditions. This was what Scipio wanted to justify him in breaking off the armistice. He told the king's messenger that he would refer the matter to his council, and the next day he gave his reply to the effect that not a single member of the council beside 址nnself was in favour of peace. The messenger was to take word that the only hope of ce for Syphax lay in his abandoning 比e cause of the Carth mans ，·Thus: Scipio put an end to the truce in order that he might be free to carry out his plans without any breach of faith. Hi launched his ships---it was now the commencement of springand placed his engines and artillery on board as though he werf gofg to attack Utica, from the sea. He also sent 2000 men tc hold the hill commanding the city. .._咖ch he had.previously .occupied, party with a view of diverting the energy's attention from his real design, and partly to prevent his camp from being attacked from the city, as it would be left with only a weak guard while he was marching against Syphax and Hasdrubal.