From the heart of Carthage he had come to an understanding with Masgaba, a Gaetulian brigand who was seeking to found an empire.

Strengthened by Punic money, the adventurer had raised the Numidian States with promises of freedom.

But Narr' Havas, warned by his nurse's son, had dropped into Cirta, poisoned the conquerors with the water of the cisterns, struck off a few heads, set all right again, and had just arrived against the Suffet more furious than the Barbarians.
The chiefs of the four armies concerted the arrangements for the war.

It would be a long one, and everything must be foreseen.
It was agreed first to entreat the assistance of the Romans, and this mission was offered to Spendius, but as a fugitive he dared not undertake it.

Twelve men from the Greek colonies embarked at Annaba in a sloop belonging to the Numidians.