A Samian trader, one Hipponax, coming from Carthage, had informed them that a plot was being organised to promote their escape, and the Barbarians were urged to take every precaution; the Republic was powerful.
Spendius's stratagem did not succeed at first as he had hoped.

This assurance of the new peril, so far from exciting frenzy, raised fears; and remembering Hamilcar's warning, lately thrown into their midst, they expected something unlooked for and terrible.

The night was spent in great distress; several even got rid of their weapons, so as to soften the Suffet when he presented himself.
But on the following day, at the third watch, a second runner appeared, still more breathless, and blackened with dust.

The Greek snatched from his hand a roll of papyrus covered with Phoenician writing.

The Mercenaries were entreated not to be disheartened; the brave men of Tunis were coming with large reinforcements.
Spendius first read the letter three times in succession; and held up by two Cappadocians, who bore him seated on their shoulders, he had himself conveyed from place to place and re-read it.