Only heads of columns could come into direct contact; and the formidable Austrian cavalry could not display its usual prowess.
On these facts Bonaparte counted as a set-off to his slight inferiority in numbers.
In the dead of night the divisions of Augereau and Massena retired through Verona.

Officers and soldiers were alike deeply discouraged by this movement, which seemed to presage a retreat towards the Mincio and the abandonment of Lombardy.

To their surprise, when outside the gate they received the order to turn to the left down the western bank of the Adige.

At Ronco the mystery was solved.

A bridge of boats had there been thrown across the Adige; and, crossing this without opposition, Augereau's troops rapidly advanced along the causeway leading to Arcola and menaced the Austrian rear, while Massena's column denied north-west, so as directly to threaten his flank at Caldiero.