E-text prepared by Suzanne Shell, Project Gutenberg Beginners Projects,
Mary Meehan, and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team
Or, With the Italian Army in the Alps
By
Author of "The Boy Allies at Liege," "The Boy Allies on the Firing Line."
"The Boy Allies with the Cossacks," "The Boy Allies in the Trenches."
1916
"Did you ever see such a mob, Hal?"
The speaker was an American lad of some seventeen years of age. Hestopped in his walk as he spoke and grasped his companion by the arm.The latter allowed his gaze to rove over the thousands upon thousandsof people who thronged the approach to the king's palace at Rome,before he replied:
"Some mob, Chester; some mob."
"Looks like a real army could be recruited from this bunch," continuedthe first speaker.
"Rather," agreed the other. "And unless I am mightily mistaken that iswhat will be done. Most of them are soldiers anyhow, you know."
"True. I had forgotten we were in Italy, where military service iscompulsory. Then you think that Italy has at last decided to enter thewar?"
"I certainly do. The Chamber of Deputies has done its best to keep Italyfrom becoming involved, but the voice of the people must be heeded sooneror later. I believe the time has come."
"I am sure I hope so," said Chester. "Italy's army, entirely ready forany eventuality, should turn the balance in favor of the Allies."
"And I believe it will," said Hal.
"Do you believe the announcement of a state of war between Italy and
Austria will be formally made to-day?"
"I do—and so, apparently, do the others here," and Hal swept his armabout him in a comprehensive gesture. "Hear them shout!"
For a mighty cheer had suddenly risen upon the air. Wildly excitedItalians—men and women from all walks of life—seemed to have gonesuddenly mad. A deafening roar filled the air. Caps and hats, canes, andother articles ascended and descended in a dense cloud.
"Can you doubt, after that, that Italy is for war?" asked Hal, when atlast he could make himself heard.
"I guess not," replied Chester grimly. "But why should the crowd havegathered in front of the palace rather than before the Chamber ofDeputies?"
"You forget that the premier is closeted with the king," returned Hal."In all probability, the first word of a definite step will emanate fromthe palace, though unofficially, of course."
"I see," said Chester. "Well—look there, Hal!"
"What's the matter?" demanded the latter, eying his companion insome surprise.
Chester seized his friend's arm with one hand and with the other pointeddirectly ahead. Hal gazed in the direction indicated. He saw at once whathad caused Chester's sudden exclamation.
Not five yards away, right in the center of the dense crowd, but still inview of the two boys, stood an Italian army officer in full uniform. Hewas gazing straight ahead toward the palace steps, paying no heed tothose who pushed and jostled him. He stood erect, with arms folded uponhis breast.
Even as the two boys looked, an arm came from behind him, and reachingacross his shoulder, a hand crept cau