The end of the contest seemed near, and came still more rapidly than was expected.

The treaty with Bocchus broke down, because the king, unacquainted with Roman customs, had conceived that he should be able to conclude a treaty so advantageous for the Romans without any gratuity, and therefore had neglected to furnish his envoys with the usual market price of Roman alliances.

Jugurtha at all events knew Roman institutions better, and had not omitted to support his proposals for an armistice by a due accompaniment of money; but he too was deceived.

After the first negotiations it turned out that not an armistice merely but a peace was purchaseable at the Roman head-quarters.

The royal treasury was still well filled with the savings of Massinissa; the transaction was soon settled.