and
the united forces proceeded to dig a trench on a ten-mile front,
extending from north to south, through the town and clear across
the Jadar Valley. Nor did the Austrians then attempt to follow up
this first success. Thus the Serbians were allowed to intrench
themselves unmolested until, next day, August 15, 1914, they were
joined by the balance of their forces.

Now, by studying the map, it will be seen at a glance that it was
only the Tzer Mountains which separated the Austrian column crossing
the Drina at Losnitza and the column which had crossed the Save and
had occupied Shabatz. Should the Austrians from over the Drina get
possession of the Tzer ridges, they would thus effect a junction
with the forces in Shabatz, and so form a line that would cut off a
large portion of northwestern Serbia. Aside from that, they would
have a solid front. But should the Serbians possess themselves
of the Tzer ridges first, then they would have driven a wedge in
between their two main forces. This would make it difficult for
either to advance, for then they would be exposing a flank to the
enemy, who would also have a great advantage in position. Moreover,
the Serbians would be in a position to turn immediately toward either
of the Austrians' columns, whichever might need most attention.

Meanwhile, the Serbian cavalry had made a reconnaissance toward
Shabatz. They immediately sent back reports of overwhelming forces
occupying the town. It was out of the question to make any attack
there for the present.

It was now learned, for the first time, that another of the enemy's
columns had crossed the Drina far down in the south, and was marching
on Krupanie, just below the Guchevo Mountains and on the way to
the upper part of the Jadar Valley. However, as the first report
seemed to indicate that this was only a minor force, a small force
of third reserve men was detached to hold this force back and prevent
its entrance into the main field of operations.

During the day and night of August 15,1914, the two opposing forces
were moving into position for battle: setting the pawns for the
game of strategy that was to be played. The Austrians at Losnitza
were advancing up the mountain slopes and took possession of the
Tzer and Iverak ridges, straddling the Leshnitza Valley.

Up in Shabatz, Austrian troops were pouring across the pontoon
bridges. A flanking column, coming from the Drina, had arrived
at Slepehevitch. Another force was s