35.
When each army was in sight of the other, and was pitching their camp almost
opposite that of the enemy, scouts being distributed in every quarter, lest the
Romans should build a bridge and bring over their
troops; it was to Caesar a matter attended with great
difficulties, lest he should be hindered from passing the river during the
greater part of the summer, as the Allier can not generally be forded before the autumn. Therefore,
that this might not happen, having pitched his camp in a woody place opposite to
one of those bridges which Vercingetorix had taken care should be
broken down, the next day he stopped behind with two legions in a secret place;
he sent on the rest of the forces as usual, with all the baggage, after having
selected some cohorts, that the number of the legions might appear to be
complete. Having ordered these to advance as far as they could, when now, from
the time of day, he conjectured they had come to an encampment, he began to
rebuild the bridge on the same piles, the lower part of which remained entire.
Having quickly finished the work and led his legions across, he selected a fit
place for a camp, and recalled the rest of his troops.
Vercingetorix, on ascertaining this fact, went before him by
forced marches, in order that he might not be compelled to come to an action
against his will.
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