1So the consul, having investigated everything, relying, I believe, on the gods — for against such great difficulties he could not provide well enough by planning, since he was even troubled by a shortage of grain, because the Numidians care more for pasture for their flocks than for tillage, and had brought whatever had grown into fortified places at the king's order, while the land was dry and empty of crops at that season, for it was the end of summer — nevertheless makes his preparations with enough foresight for his resources. 2All the cattle that had been taken as booty in the preceding days he assigns to the auxiliary cavalry to drive, orders the legate Aulus Manlius to go with the light-armed cohorts to the town of Laris, where he had deposited the pay and supplies, and says that he will come to the same place after a few days, plundering as he went.
3So, having concealed his undertaking, he marches to the river Tanais.