He was gone five days, and then returned, bringing Caesar an account of his discoveries.
[Sidenote: Caesar collects vessels.] In the mean time, Caesar had collected a large number of sailing vessels from the whole line of the French shore, by means of which he proposed to transport his army across the Channel.

He had two legions to take into Britain, the remainder of his forces having been stationed as garrisons in various parts of Gaul.

It was necessary, too, to leave a considerable force at his post of debarkation, in order to secure a safe retreat in case of any disaster on the British side.

The number of transport ships provided for the foot soldiers which were to be taken over was eighty.

There were, besides these, eighteen more, which were appointed to convey a squadron of horse.