Metellus was forced to let him go. Only a short time was now left before those who intended to stand for the Consulships must be in Rome.
The journey from the camp to the coast was a long one, but Marius accomplished it in two days and a night.
In spite of the need for haste, he waited to offer a sacrifice before he sailed. And it seemed to him well that he had done so, for the priest bade him go his way, assured that success, greater than he had dreamed, would be his.
So in great good temper Marius went on board ship, and in four days landed on Italian soil.
In Rome he was received with favour, and before long his ambition was satisfied. He was elected Consul, and given the command of the army in Africa.
When Marius returned to take up his new position in Africa, Metellus had already left the army in charge of an officer. His pride would not let him stay to receive his erstwhile subordinate, who, as he said in anger, had now usurped his command.
Soon after this Metellus sailed for Rome, with the miserable feeling that he had been disgraced. He was, however, surprised by the welcome the people gave to him. They had not forgotten that he had refused to touch the gold of Jugurtha.
