The enemy then desisted from their attack, believing that in the morning the Carthaginians would be at their mercy, encumbered by their vast booty on one side and cut off from retreat by a well nigh impassable river on the other.
As soon as the army reached the river Hannibal caused the tents of all the officers to be erected.

The baggage wagons were arranged in order, and the cattle unharnessed.

The troops began to throw up intrenchments, and all seemed to show that the Carthaginians were determined to fight till the last on the ground they held.

It was still light enough for the enemy to perceive what was being done, and, secure of their prey in the morning, they drew off to a short distance for the night.

Hannibal had learned from a native that morning of a ford across the river, and it was towards this that he had been marching.