It looked as if Russia were up against a second Plevna or a new Gallipoli.
Then I took to studying the flanks.

South lay the Palantuken range of mountains, with forts defending the passes, where ran the roads to Mush and Lake Van.

That side, too, looked pretty strong.

North in the valley of the Euphrates I made out two big forts, Tafta and Kara Gubek, defending the road from Olti.

On this part of the map Stumm's notes were plentiful, and I gave them all my attention.