START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOY ALLIES IN GREAT PERIL*** E-text prepared by Suzanne Shell, Project Gutenberg Beginners Projects, Mary Meehan, and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team THE BOY ALLIES IN GREAT PERIL Or, With the Italian Army in the Alps By CLAIR W. HAYES 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 CHAPTER I. THE BREWING STORM. "Did you ever see such a mob, Hal?" The speaker was an American lad of some seventeen years of age. He stopped in his walk as he spoke and grasped his companion by the arm. The latter allowed his gaze to rove over the thousands upon thousands of 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," continued the first speaker. "Rather," agreed the other. "And unless I am mightily mistaken that is what will be done. Most of them are soldiers anyhow, you know." "True. I had forgotten we were in Italy, where military service is compulsory. Then you think that Italy has at last decided to enter the war?" "I certainly do. The Chamber of Deputies has done its best to keep Italy from becoming involved, but the voice of the people must be heeded sooner or later. I believe the time has come." "I am sure I hope so," said Chester. "Italy's army, entirely ready for any 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 arm about him in a comprehensive gesture. "Hear them shout!" For a mighty cheer had suddenly risen upon the air. Wildly excited Italians--men and women from all walks of life--seemed to have gone suddenly mad. A deafening roar filled the air. Caps and hats, canes, and other articles ascended and descended in a dense cloud. "Can you doubt, after that, that Italy is for war?" asked Hal, when at last he could make himself heard. "I guess not," replied Chester grimly. "But why should the crowd have gathered in front of the palace rather than before the Chamber of Deputies?" "You forget that the premier is closeted with the king," returned Hal. "In all probability, the first word of a definite step will emanate from the palace, though unofficially, of course." "I see," said Chester. "Well--look there, Hal!" "What's the matter?" demanded the latter, eying his companion in some surprise. Chester seized his friend's arm with one hand and with the other pointed directly ahead. Hal gazed in the direction indicated. He saw at once what had caused Chester's sudden exclamation. Not five yards away, right in the center of the dense crowd, but still in view of the two boys, stood an Italian army officer in full uniform. He was gazing straight ahead toward the palace steps, paying no heed to those who pushed and jostled him. He stood erect, with arms folded upon his breast. Even as the two boys looked, an arm came from behind him, and reaching across his shoulder, a hand crept cautiously into the pocket of the officer's military cloak, which he had thrown open because of its warmth. Hal uttered a low exclamation and was about to step forward when there came a sudden shout from the crowd, which surged in about him, cutting off his view of the Italian officer. For a single instant Hal turned his eyes toward the palace and there took one look at a second uniformed figure, who stood upon the top step and waved his arms about violently. "I guess war has come," the boy muttered to himself, as he took a step forward and elbowed his way toward the spot where the other Italian officer stood. Chester came close behind his friend. By dint of hard pushing and shoving, which drew ugly remarks from some of the bystanders upon whose feet they trod, the boys at last came to the spot they sought. They had made good time and the invisible owner of the hand that had explored the officer's pocket was just withdrawing it. And in it Hal saw a white paper flutter. He uttered a cry and dashed forward in spite of the crowd. At almost the same moment the officer came to life. Instinct must have warned him that there was something wrong. He clapped his hand to his pocket, and then uttered a fierce ejaculation in his native tongue. He wheeled about with a cry, and his arm shot out. There was a struggle, and then the officer fell to the ground. A blow from his adversary's fist had laid him low. Hal, who was a few leaps ahead of Chester, reached out to seize the man, who, he could see, still held the bit of white paper in his hand, but the other was too quick for him. With a sudden backward leap he was among the crowd, which, apparently, had failed to grasp the significance of the trouble. Hal uttered a quick cry to Chester and also dashed into the crowd. Chester followed him. Ahead, but almost hidden by others of the crowd, which pressed forward the better to see what was going on upon the palace steps, Hal could see his quarry squirming his way through the dense mass of humanity. "Stop him!" he cried, raising his voice to a shout. The crowd paid no heed. The people were too wrapped up in what was going on before the palace to notice the three who were trying to force their way through. Again Hal cried out, but the result was the same. For a brief instant the fugitive glanced over his shoulder, and he waved a hand at Hal. It was the first time the lad had seen his face, and he knew that he would recognize it again wherever he saw it. "I'll get you yet," declared Hal to himself between tightly shut lips. "I'll get you if it takes a year." He pressed on, with Chester close at his heels. Turning and squirming and twisting their way, the lads managed to plod on through the dense crowd at a snail's pace. Ahead of them, however, Hal could see that the fugitive was making about the same progress. His hopes rose, and he called over his shoulder to Chester; "Keep coming; we'll get him!" Chester made no reply, for he knew none was expected. He kept close behind his friend. Now, suddenly, the fugitive reached the edge of the crowd. For a single moment he paused, and gazed back at his pursuers. Once more he waved a hand at Hal, and then, turning, started off at a run. Hal, seeing that his quarry was about to make good his escape, suddenly grew angry. Bringing some tactics learned on the football field into play, he dashed forward, hurling spectators to right and left. In another moment he, too, had reached the edge of the crowd and, with a cry, dashed ahead. He did not pause to see whether Chester was behind him. All he thought of was to overtake the fugitive. Chester, in attempting to follow his friend, stumbled over an outstretched foot and fell heavily to the ground. He was not badly hurt, but he had struck on his face and for a moment he was dazed. He dragged himself quickly to his feet and moved forward again. Some distance ahead he saw that Hal was gaining upon the fugitive. Down the wide street ran the fugitive, with Hal close behind and gaining at every stride. As the sound of pursuing footsteps became plainer, the man looked back over his shoulder. Then he redoubled his efforts; but still Hal gained. Suddenly the man dashed around a corner. Three seconds later Hal did the same. As he did so he caught sight of a big man before him. Hal tried to check his pace, but it was too late. Something bright flashed in the sunlight and Hal felt a sickening thud upon his head. In vain he tried to keep his feet. He sank slowly to the ground and then fell forward on his face. And even as he lost consciousness, he thought to himself: "What a fool I was. I should have suspected a trap. So he hit me with the butt of a revolver. I'll get even yet." Above the fallen lad the man stood with a grim smile of satisfaction. He stirred the prostrate form with his foot and then put his revolver back in his pocket. He turned to go. At that moment Chester dashed around the corner. The lad and the fugitive took in the situation at the same moment. Chester pulled himself up short and reached for his revolver, which he always carried in his coat pocket. But the other was too quick for him. He leaped suddenly forward and Chester's arm was seized in a vise-like grip. In vain the lad struggled to free himself. He could not move the powerful fingers that gripped him. He kicked out with his right foot and this effort was rewarded by a cry of pain from his opponent. "Kick me on the shins, will you?" cried the latter in German. His free hand found the revolver in his pocket and it flashed in the sunlight once more. He attempted to reverse the weapon and seize it by the barrel, and as he did so he unconsciously loosened his grip upon Chester's arm. The latter swung himself about suddenly and with a sweep of his arm sent the man's revolver clattering to the ground. The other uttered an exclamation of rage, and stepped back. Chester again reached for his own revolver, but once more the other was too quick for him. He came forward with a jump, and his right fist shot out. Chester ducked this blow, but he was unprepared for the left-handed blow that followed. As he came up after ducking the first blow, the second caught him squarely upon the point of the chin, and he toppled over. It was a clean knockout. "I guess that will settle you," said the victor, as he surveyed the prostrate forms of his two enemies. "I guess that will teach you not to interfere in other people's business. Hello, one of them is moving." He gazed curiously at Hal, who at that moment opened his eyes. The man stood undecided a moment. Then he took a step toward the boy, but stopped again. "No," he muttered. "What's the use? Let him be." He swung upon his heel and made his way down the street. A moment later he was lost to sight around a corner. CHAPTER II. THE TWO FRIENDS. While Hal and Chester are still upon the ground and consciousness is gradually returning, it will be well to introduce a few words concerning them, that those who have not made their acquaintance before may learn just what sort of boys our heroes are. Hal Paine and Chester Crawford were typical American boys. With the former's mother, they had been in Berlin when the great European conflagration broke out and had been stranded there. Mrs. Paine had been able to get out of the country, but Hal and Chester were left behind. In company with Major Raoul Derevaux, a Frenchman, and Captain Harry Anderson, an Englishman, they finally made their way into Belgium, where they arrived in time to take part in the heroic defense of Liége in the early stages of the war. Here they rendered such invaluable service to the Belgian commander that they were commissioned lieutenants in the little army of King Albert. Both in fighting and in scouting they had proven their worth. Following the first Belgian campaign, the two lads had seen service with the British troops on the continent, where they were attached to the staff of General Sir John French, in command of the English forces. Also they had won the respect and admiration of General Joffre, the French commander-in-chief. As related in the third book of this series, "The Boy Allies with the Cossacks," Hal and Chester had seen active service under the Russian Bear in the eastern theater of war. They fought in the midst of the Russian forces and were among the troop of 60,000 that made the first wild dash over the Carpathians to the plains of Hungary. Returning to the western war area with despatches from the Grand Duke Nicholas to the French commander-in-chief, they had again taken up their duties with the British army. As related in "The Boy Allies in the Trenches," they had been instrumental in defeating more than one German coup, and it was through them, also, that a plot to assassinate President Poincaré had failed. Both lads were about the same age. Large and strong, they were proficient in the use of their fists and of the art of swordsmanship, and were entirely familiar with firearms. Another thing that stood them in good stead was the fact that both spoke French and German fluently. Also, each had a smattering of Italian. Following their coup in saving the French president from the hands of traitorous Apaches in Paris, Hal and Chester had come to Rome with their mothers, whom they had found in Paris, and Chester's uncle. They had not come without protest, for both had been eager to get back to the firing line, but their mothers' entreaties had finally prevailed. As Chester's Uncle John had said, "This is none of our war. Your place, boys, is with your mothers." Chester and Hal had sought consent to rejoin the army in vain. Neither Mrs. Paine nor Mrs. Crawford would hear of such a thing. So at last they agreed to return home. First, however, at Uncle John's suggestion, the party decided to stop in Rome. "Italy is still a sane and peaceable country," Uncle John had said. Naturally the lads had been greatly interested in the war demonstrations in Rome. Uncle John, who at first had "pooh-poohed" the prospect of Italy's entering the war, finally had been convinced that such a course was only a matter of time. Mrs. Paine and Mrs. Crawford, realizing how greatly interested their sons were becoming, immediately decided to return to America. They feared that some harm would come to Hal and Chester--feared that the boys might be drawn into trouble again--for they both knew their dispositions not to shirk danger. The war situation at this time was anything but favorable to the Allies. Along the great western battle line, stretching out from the North Sea far to the south, the mighty armies were gripped in a deadlock. Occasional advances would be made by both sides and retreats would follow. Having pushed the invader back from the very walls of Paris soon after the outbreak of hostilities, the French had shoved him across the Aisne and then across the Marne. But here the allied offensive halted. Grand assaults and heroic charges proved ineffectual. The Kaiser's troops were strongly intrenched and could not be dislodged. On their side, the Allies' positions were equally impregnable and repeated assaults by the enemy had failed to shake their lines. In the eastern theater of war the Russians, at this moment, were meeting with some success. Several large Austrian strongholds had been captured after the bloodiest fighting of the war, and it was believed that it would only be a question of a few weeks until the Russian Grand Duke would develop his long-expected invasion of Hungary. In the north of the eastern war arena, also, the Russians had met with some success, Poland had been invaded, and around Warsaw the great German drive had been checked. The sea was still free of German ships, with the exception of the submarines which still continued to prey upon all commerce, neutral as well as Allies'. The situation in the Balkan states remained unchanged. It was hoped that the Balkan countries would rally to the support of the Allies, and thus form an iron ring about the Germanic powers, but this matter was no nearer a successful issue than it had been months before. However, diplomats of both sides were still busy in the Balkans, and each hoped to gain their support. But for the last few weeks all eyes had been turned toward Italy. A member of the Austro-German Triple Alliance at the beginning of the war, Italy had refused to support a war of aggression by the Kaiser and had severed her connection with the Alliance. She had announced that she would remain neutral. At length, however, matters reached such a pass that Italy realized she must cast her lot with the Allies. She knew that should the Germans emerge from the war victorious she had all to lose and nothing to gain. The first act of the successful German army would be to crush her. Besides, there had always been antagonism between Austria and Italy, and the drawing of Italy into the Triple Alliance in the first place was considered an act of trickery. Austria and Italy could have nothing in common. The people of Italy demanded that she throw her military as well as her moral support to the Allies. The matter had been threshed out in the Chamber of Deputies. Wild anti-German and anti-Austrian demonstrations were almost daily occurrences in the streets of Rome and other of the larger Italian cities. The people wanted war. Here was the one country of all the powers engaged in the mighty conflict that could truthfully say: "This is a popular war." At the instigation of the Kaiser, Austria had agreed to make many concessions to Italy in return for her neutrality. She agreed to almost anything. But the Italian government was not fooled. Austria would yield anything at the present time, and then, with the aid of her powerful ally, Germany, at the close of the war, take it away from Italy again. So the Italian people and the Italian government decided upon war on the side of the Allies. Millions of trained fighting men, fresh from the rigors of the recent Turkish war, were ready to take the field at almost a moment's notice. The reserves had already been ordered to the colors. The Italian fleet was ready for action. There was now no question that Italy would enter the war. The chief topic of interest was as to where she would strike first. Would she send an army to join the French and British troops recently landed on the Gallipoli peninsula and a portion of her fleet to help force the Dardanelles, or would she strike first at Austria, and if so, would the first blow be delivered by her fleet in the Adriatic, or to the north, upon the border, and through the Alps? The Chamber of Deputies had been in continuous session now for almost two days. It was known that upon the result of this conference hinged the issue, peace or war. The chamber was still in session, but the Premier had left and sought King Victor Emmanuel at the palace for a consultation. News of this kind travels quickly. The great mob which had assembled outside the Chamber of Deputies wended its way to the palace, where it stood awaiting some word of what action was to be taken. The people knew that the answer would not be long coming. Hal Paine and Chester Crawford were standing in the midst of this crowd when this story opens. They had just left their mothers and Uncle John at their hotel, announcing that they would get the latest war news. The two women had offered no objection, but Uncle John had instructed them: "Don't be gone long, boys. Remember we leave in the morning, and we expect you to do your share of the packing." So the two lads had strolled out and joined the crowd. When they had decided to return to America, each lad had carefully packed his British uniform, so they were now in civilian clothes. This was a matter of some regret to them, for they had been proud of their uniforms, and not without cause, and even as they walked along to-day Chester had remarked: "We should have our uniforms on, Hal." "Why?" demanded the latter. "Well, just look at all these Italian officers. It makes me feel lonesome to be without my uniform." Hal laughed. "By Jove! it does at that," he agreed. "I can sympathize with the soldier who has such an absolute disgust for a civilian. You know there is no love lost between them." "Right! Well, I wish I had my uniform on." "It's a good thing you haven't, I guess. That warlike spirit of yours might get us in trouble. Every time I look at mine, I want to run back to the front instead of going home." "It is pretty tough," agreed Chester. "You bet it is. But what else could we do? We must please our mothers, you know." "I suppose you're right. But just the same, several times I have had a notion to disappear." "The same thought struck me, too; but we gave our promise, you know." Chester shrugged his shoulders. "It can't be helped now," he said. "Maybe we'll have a little war of our own some day," said Hal. "Then they'll have to let us fight." "That would be too good to be true," was Chester's reply. It was just at the end of this conversation that the lads had joined the crowd before the palace, and Chester had made the remark that opens this story. CHAPTER III. THE MOB. Hal sat up and passed his right hand gently over his head. "Quite a bump," he muttered to himself. "What a fool I was not to have been prepared for that ruse. Well, I'll know better next time." The lad pulled himself to his feet and gazed in the direction in which the other had disappeared. He made as if to move after him, and then changed his mind. "Not much chance of finding him now, I guess," he muttered. He turned on his heel, and then, for the first time, his eyes fell upon Chester's prostrate form. "So he got you, too, eh?" he said to himself. He hurried forward and bent over his chum. At the same moment Chester opened his eyes and smiled up at him feebly. "Hello," he said; "where's our friend?" "Gone," replied Hal briefly, raising Chester's head to his knee. "How do you feel?" "A little rocky, and that's a fact," was the reply. "What did he bump you over with--gun?" "No; fist." "I don't see any marks." "I feel 'em," said Chester, rubbing his chin ruefully. "He landed an uppercut that was a beauty." "I am glad you are well enough to appreciate it," said Hal, with a slight smile. "He was big enough to have put you out for keeps." "I'm not to be gotten rid of so easily," returned Chester. "Help me up." Hal lent a supporting hand and Chester struggled to his feet. "Dizzy?" queried Hal. "A little," was the reply. "I'll be all right in a minute, though." He shook his head several times and at last appeared to have gotten rid of the effects of the blow. He threw off Hal's hand. "Well, what now?" he asked. Hal hesitated. "I hate to see that fellow get away," he said finally. "He probably has stolen important information." "I guess there is not much doubt of that," replied Chester, "but Rome is a pretty sizeable town. A slim chance we have of finding him." "I'd know him if I see him," said Hal "So will I. Did you notice the scar across his face?" "Yes; that's why I say I would know him any place. What do you suppose it was he stole?" "A paper of some kind; I saw that. Probably has to do with troop movements or something of the sort. You remember he stole it from an army officer." "Yes; which reminds me that he also disposed of said army officer without much trouble. The last I saw of him he was floundering about on the ground in the midst of the crowd." "Let's go back and have a look for him." "Good; come on." The boys turned and retraced their steps. Rounding a corner they came again within sight of the palace. "Crowd still there," Hal commented briefly. It was true. The crowd seemed to have grown rather than to have diminished. "Something must have happened while we were gone," said Chester. "Hear them yell." "I guess it means war," was Hal's quiet response. "Well, I'm glad." "And so am I. This German business should be settled without much trouble now." "Don't you believe it. The Kaiser is good for a long, hard fight yet." They pushed their way through the crowd. Suddenly they came to a stop, their further progress being barred by a solid mass of humanity directly in front of them, Hal took Chester by the arm. "Let's see what is going on here," he said. By dint of hard pushing and shoving they worked their way gradually through the crowd. "As I live, it's our friend the army officer," ejaculated Hal. "So it is," agreed Chester, "and he seems to be rather excited. Look at him waving his arms about." Surrounded by a curious crowd, the officer referred to was declaiming eloquently. It was plain from the attitude of the crowd, however, that he wasn't making himself plain. "He's too excited to talk coherently," said Hal. "Maybe we can help him out a bit. Let's get through the rest of this gang." He put his elbows in front of him, and closely followed by Chester, threw his weight upon the mass of humanity in front. The crowd parted, and the lads pushed their way through, unheeding the protests their rough methods called forth. They stopped beside the still excited officer. "Signor--" began Hal, but the officer paid no attention to him, and continued to wave his arms violently about. "You can't get his attention that way," said Chester. "Let me try." He grasped the Italian officer roughly by the arm and whirled him about. Immediately the latter's arms ceased their violent gesticulations and he turned an angry face upon Chester. "How dare you lay your hands upon an officer of the king?" he demanded in a harsh voice. His hand dropped to his holster. "Here! Here!" exclaimed Hal. "Hold your horses now and don't get excited. We've come to tell you something about that paper you lost." "Ah!" cried the Italian. "So you have it, eh? Give it to me!" He held out a hand expectantly. "No, we haven't it," replied Hal, "but--" "Give me the paper!" cried the officer, his voice becoming shrill with anger. "I tell you we haven't the paper," said Hal. "That's a lie!" shouted the Italian. "You knocked me down and stole the paper." He clutched Hal by the arm. "Let go of me," said the lad angrily. "We are trying to help you and--" The Italian officer now suddenly drew his revolver, and pointed it squarely at Hal. "Give me the paper or I shall shoot," he said more quietly. He staggered suddenly backward and the revolver dropped to the ground with a clatter. The Italian wheeled and confronted the angry face of Chester, who had struck up the weapon. "What's the matter with you? Can't you see we are trying to help you?" demanded Chester. At this point there came a diversion. Members of the crowd who had witnessed the dispute between the officer and the two lads suddenly set up a cry of "spies." Others behind them took it up. "Spies! Spies!" a hundred voices rang out. The crowd surged in about them. Hal gave one quick look about, and then said quietly to Chester: "We are in for it now, old man. We'll have to make a break for it." "All right," said Chester grimly. "Lead the way." Once more the Italian officer stretched forth a detaining hand, but this time Hal wasted no time in explanation. He struck out straight from the shoulder, and the officer toppled to the ground. "Second fall for him to-day," muttered Hal between his teeth. He felt Chester's arm press his elbow. "Come on," he said. Side by side the lads stepped forward in the very faces of the mob that barred their path, and for a moment the crowd gave back. Then one man, bolder than the rest, sprang forward and sought to clutch Chester's arm. The lad's fist met him half way and he dropped silently to the ground. An angry roar went up from the crowd. Chester's hand dropped to his pocket. Hal perceived the motion and cried out: "No guns, Chester!" Chester realized the soundness of the warning and his revolver remained where it was. Two of the crowd sprang forward together, but Hal and Chester, with their greater strength and reach, disposed of them easily. A blow from behind landed on Chester's neck and he staggered forward. He recovered himself in a moment, however, and shouted. "Rush 'em, Hal!" The latter also realized that to stand still and fight gave the crowd behind too great an opening and he obeyed Chester's injunction. At the same moment both sprang forward, and the crowd opened before them. Straight ahead they went, striking out right and left, but rushing forward as fast as possible all the time. Men fell on both sides of them beneath their heavy blows, and so far neither lad had received a severe jolt. At that moment, however, Hal felt a keen pain in his left arm. He glanced down curiously and saw a tiny stream of red spout forth. His lips set in a thin line. "Guns, Chester," he said quietly, halting in his tracks. "They are using knives." "Good," said Chester, also halting. "Back to back." The lads whipped out their automatics simultaneously, and, back to back, confronted the crowd. Hal spoke. "We are not spies," he shouted, "but we are not going to be killed without a fight. We are British army officers. Stand back!" Before the threatening muzzles of the two automatics the crowd hesitated. Then, from directly ahead of Chester, a shot rang out. The lad heard something whiz past his head, and from beyond came a cry of pain. "Shot one of his own number," muttered the lad. His finger tightened on the trigger as he saw a man about to leap forward regardless of the automatic. "I'm going to shoot, Hal," he called. "I guess it can't be helped," replied the lad quietly. "When I give the word turn loose on 'em, and then we'll make another break." He hesitated a single instant and then called: "Ready?" "Ready!" came the reply. "Then--" began Hal, and suddenly cried, "Wait!" For at that moment the crowd in front of him suddenly began to scatter, and from beyond Hal made out a troop of Italian cavalry bearing down on them with drawn sabers. Hal lowered his weapon and called out: "It's all right, Chester!" CHAPTER IV. AN OLD FRIEND. "What's the meaning of this?" demanded an officer, pulling in his horse beside the two lads, while his troop gave their attention to driving back the crowd, which gave ground slowly. "We were attacked by the crowd, captain," Hal explained. "Why?" asked the officer. "We were accused of being spies." "By whom?" "By an Italian army officer back there," replied Hal, making a gesture with his hand. "Here he comes now," interrupted Chester. The man who had caused all the trouble now came pompously forward. At sight of him, the mounted officer sprang from the saddle and came to attention. "What is the matter, sir?" he asked. "Arrest these two," said his superior, pointing to Hal and Chester. "They are spies, and they knocked me down." The Italian captain motioned to half a dozen of his men. He also pointed to the two lads. "Arrest them," he said quietly. The men surrounded the lads. "But--" began Chester. "No words," said the officer. "Take them before General Ferrari," he ordered his men. He motioned to the commander of the troop to accompany them. "I shall be there to make the charge against them," he said. The young officer saluted. "Very well, sir," he replied. He turned to the lads. "March," he ordered. There was no help for it, as the lads realized in a moment. Accordingly they made no further protests and marched off, surrounded on all sides. As they walked along the street there came a new diversion. A man came hurrying toward them. Hal and Chester recognized him in an instant. "Uncle John!" cried Chester. He glanced at Hal and smiled sheepishly. "We seem always to be in trouble when he appears," said Chester with a slight smile. Uncle John addressed the officer in command of the squad. "What's the meaning of this?" he demanded. "The meaning of what, sir?" asked the officer respectfully, for he was impressed by Uncle John's manner. "What are you doing with these two lads?" "They are under arrest, sir." "What!" ejaculated Uncle John. "Under arrest, and what for?" "They are spies." "Spies!" The good man staggered back. He forced a smile. "You are joking with me," he said. The Italian officer drew himself up. "I never joke of serious matters," he said quietly. "But what interest have you in these prisoners?" "Well, I have considerable interest," was the reply. "One of them happens to be my nephew. What have they been doing?" "I couldn't say as to that. All I know is that they are spies." "You're crazy," shouted Uncle John, now becoming angry. "They are British army officers, and American citizens." The young officer drew himself up. "Crazy, am I?" he demanded. "March!" he ordered his men. "Here, hold on a minute," gasped Uncle John. "I didn't mean to ruffle your feelings; but one of those boys is my nephew. I tell you they are British officers." "I trust they will be able to prove it," said the Italian. "What?" demanded Uncle John. "Why?" "Because," replied the officer with a pleasant smile, "they probably will be shot if they don't." "Shot!" gasped Uncle John. "Exactly. That is the usual treatment accorded spies." "But I tell you--" "You can tell the rest to General Ferrari," said the Italian officer. "Forward, men." Uncle John was brushed unceremoniously aside in spite of his protests, and the lads were led away. "Don't worry, Uncle John," Chester called back to him. "We'll get out of this all right. Tell mother to have no fear." "I'll see the ambassador!" shouted Uncle John. "I'll get you out of this. I'll show these confounded Italians they are not half as big as Uncle Sam." "Poor old Uncle John," said Chester to Hal. "He does get excited so easily. I'll bet the ambassador is due for an unpleasant half hour." "I'd give a whole lot to be there to hear what transpires," agreed Hal. In front of a large and imposing building the Italian officer called a halt; and a few minutes later ordered the prisoners up the steps. "Where are we going?" demanded Hal. "You'll find out soon enough," was the reply. "You're very civil and courteous, to be sure," said Hal. "I can see no reason for being courteous to a spy," replied the officer. "Perhaps not," returned the lad; "but when we are out of this I believe I shall hunt you up and pull your nose." "What!" exclaimed the officer, stepping back. "Pull my nose! Such American impudence! I have a notion to pull your nose right here." "I wouldn't if I were you," said Chester, grinning. "And what have you to say about it?" exclaimed the now angry officer. "Oh, nothing," replied Chester. "Just a kindly word of warning; that's all." The officer stared at both lads angrily, as they stood at the top of the steps, and seemed about to say more, when a second officer appeared in the doorway and motioned for all to enter. "Move on there," said the first officer angrily. The lads obeyed without replying. Inside the building they were led through a long corridor, and thence to a room which they were motioned to enter. Inside stood a tall, stout man attired in full military uniform. "General Ferrari, I guess," Chester whispered to his friend. Hal nodded in assent. It was indeed General Ferrari, and he came forward. "What have we here?" he demanded, addressing the officer. "Spies, sir," was the reply. "Where did you find them?" The officer explained. "So Colonel Fuesco found them, eh? You say they stole an important document from him?" "Yes, sir, and the colonel will be here directly, sir." "Good, you may go. Leave a guard outside the door." The officer saluted and took his departure, casting a sneering glance at the two lads. "Sit down," commanded the general. The lads obeyed, and the general took a seat at a huge desk at the far end of the room and immediately plunged into a mass of correspondence. For half an hour he was busy with his letters and paid no attention to the boys. The latter also sat silently. An orderly entered the room and announced: "Colonel Fuesco, sir." "Show him in," said the general. A moment later and the colonel came blustering in. He gazed angrily at the two lads and spoke to General Ferrari in a whisper. Then both turned upon the lads. "Have you the paper?" demanded the general. "No, sir," replied Hal. "We never had it in the first place. Will you allow me to explain, sir?" "Proceed," said the general. "First," said Hal, "I would inform your excellency that we are officers in the British army, having recently come from France." He then went ahead with the story of how they had seen Colonel Fuesco relieved of his papers before the palace a short time ago. At the conclusion of the story the colonel sniffed audibly. "A likely tale," he sneered. "Silence, colonel," said the general sharply. "I shall go at this matter in my own way. Can you prove your identity?" he asked of Hal. "With time, yes," was the reply. At this moment the orderly again entered the room. "The officer you were expecting, sir," he said to General Ferrari. "Have him enter," said the general, and the orderly saluted and disappeared. "There can be no doubt that these are spies, sir," said Colonel Fuesco. Chester became suddenly angry. "That's a lie," he said flatly. "What!" exclaimed the doughty colonel. "You call me a liar?" Before General Ferrari or Hal could move to stay him, he stepped close to Chester and struck him in the face. Hal, knowing Chester's quick temper, became alarmed and cried out sharply: "Don't hit him, Chester." But he spoke too late. The blow aroused Chester's fighting blood and he took no thought of consequences. His right fist shot out sharply, and struck squarely upon the nose, the colonel reeled back and fell to the floor. He was up in a moment, however, and in spite of his commander's sharp order, closed with Chester. The two rocked back and forth, as Hal and General Ferrari sought to separate them. And at this moment a newcomer entered the room. He was a young man, thin and tall, and his face showed the marks of hard service. He was attired in the uniform of a French major. He, too, took a hand in attempting to separate the combatants. As the five struggled about, Hal caught a glimpse of the newcomer's face, and he gave a cry of wonder, uttering a name that caused Chester to release his hold upon the Italian officer and step back in surprise and pleasure. "Major Derevaux!" exclaimed Hal. CHAPTER V. A NEW RECRUIT. The French officer also stepped back in surprise, for until that moment he had not had time to glance at the two lads. He, too, gave vent to an exclamation of pleasure and held out both hands. "Hal! Chester!" he cried. Each lad seized upon a hand and wrung it heartily. General Ferrari and Colonel Fuesco stood back and eyed them curiously. Finally the general spoke to the Frenchman. "You know these boys?" he asked. "Know them!" repeated Major Derevaux. "Well, I should say I do. They are Lieutenants Paine and Crawford, of His British majesty's service, sir." "Then they are not German or Austrian spies?" "What! These lads German spies! If you but knew of what invaluable service they have been to the cause of the Allies, you would be proud to shake hands with them. Why, let me tell you," and forgetting all other matters for the moment, Major Derevaux plunged into an account of the boys' triumphs since joining the allied forces. At the conclusion of this recital, General Ferrari extended a hand to each of the boys. "I am indeed glad to know two such gallant lads," he said. "I felt sure when I first saw you that there must be some mistake in your cases." "But they stole my paper!" cried Colonel Fuesco. "That is not true," said Major Derevaux. "I can vouch for their loyalty." "But who can vouch for you?" demanded the colonel. "How is General Ferrari to know that you, too, are not a spy, coming to him with false credentials?" "I can answer that question," replied the general. "As it happens, I have known Major Derevaux for years. He has often visited at my home, he and his parents. You owe these lads an apology, colonel." "He knocked me down," replied the colonel, pointing to Chester. "So he did," said the general, "and you deserved it." Chester now approached the colonel and extended a hand. "I bear you no ill will," he said. The officer glanced at him searchingly for a moment, and then took the hand. "I have done you and your friend an injustice," he said. "I am sorry." "Say no more about it," replied Chester. Colonel Fuesco also shook hands with Hal. "But what of my paper?" he demanded of the general. "I can give you a description of the man who took it," said Hal, and did so. When he mentioned that the man had a scar on his face, the two Italian officers uttered a cry. "Hans Robard!" they exclaimed. "You know him, then?" asked Chester. "Rather," said the general dryly. "He is an Austrian, and attached to the Austrian embassy here. Of course there has as yet been no formal declaration of war between Italy and Austria, but it has been known for days that war was sure to come. Colonel Fuesco here has been entrusted with important documents relating to troop movements, and it is this document that Robard has stolen. It must be recovered." "We are willing to help all we can," said Chester. "With a little forethought we should have been able to recover it ourselves. Robard made monkeys of us." "He made a monkey of me, too," said the colonel ruefully. "The thing to be done," said Chester, "is to get track of him." "That's easy enough," was the reply. "He can be found at the embassy; but he will deny that he has the paper. Also, we cannot arrest him. Being a member of a foreign embassy, in times of peace he is immune from arrest." "And he will take the paper with him when he leaves Italy," said Major Derevaux. "It was stolen once," said Hal thoughtfully. "Why cannot it be stolen again?" "What do you mean?" asked Colonel Fuesco. "Just what I say. Robard stole the document from you. Some one must recover it from Robard without his knowledge." "An excellent idea!" exclaimed General Ferrari. "But who will do this work?" "We shall be glad to undertake it, your excellency," said Hal. "You! But you are so young for such a piece of work." "Don't you believe it, general," Major Derevaux interrupted. "If the papers can be recovered, these lads can get them. You could not put the mission in better hands." "But the danger--" "We have been in danger before, sir," said Chester quietly. The general considered a moment, and then brought a hand down on his desk with tremendous force. "So be it!" he exclaimed. "And if you are successful, Italy will know how to reward you." "We seek no reward, sir," said Hal quietly. "Then we are at liberty to go now, sir?" "Yes. I shall not hamper you with instructions." "All we wish to know, sir," said Hal, "is whether Robard still is at the Austrian embassy." "He is," was the reply, "and will be until some time to-morrow, when the ambassador will be given his passports." "Can I be of any assistance?" asked Colonel Fuesco, stepping forward. "If you can, we shall call on you," replied Hal. "Good," said the colonel, and, drawing out a card, he scribbled an address on it. "You will find me there," he said. "I shall remain at my quarters in the hopes that I may be given a hand in the game." The lads shook hands with the general and walked to the door. "Wait a moment, boys," said Major Derevaux. "I want a few words with the general, and then I shall be at liberty to go with you." "If it is all the same to you, Major Derevaux," said the general, "I would prefer to postpone our conference until this evening. I have several matters that require my immediate attention." Major Derevaux accepted this postponement graciously, and announced that he would accompany the boys at once. As they would have passed out, the general's orderly once more entered the room. "The American ambassador is without, sir," he said, "and demands an immediate interview with you." General Ferrari turned to Colonel Fuesco. "You see what trouble you have brought down on my head," he said, with a smile. "I won't bother to see the ambassador now," he said to his orderly. "I shall send these lads to greet him." In response to these words, Hal and Chester, accompanied by Major Derevaux and Colonel Fuesco, made their way from the room. In the corridor they encountered the American ambassador and Uncle John. The latter was walking back and forth nervously and muttering angrily to himself. "Here we are, Uncle John," said Chester. Uncle John jumped as though he had been shot, for he had not perceived their approach. "You young rascals," he exclaimed, "so you have been released, eh?" "Yes," said Chester quickly, "we have been released providing we can really apprehend the man who is the spy." "What do you mean?" asked Uncle John anxiously. Hal followed Chester's lead, for he wished no obstacle to be put in their path. "If we can catch the spy, we shall be permitted to go free," he said, "I see," said Uncle John. "But I can't see that spy-catching is any of your business." "Well, we have promised to do the best we can," said Chester. "In that case, I have nothing to say," said Uncle John. "But remember we are due to sail for home to-morrow." "Oh, we can wait over for the next ship," said Chester. "Perhaps," said Uncle John, with a twinkle in his eye. "We shall see what your mothers have to say about that." Hal now bethought himself to introduce Uncle John to his friends. This accomplished, the American ambassador announced that he would be moving, and took his departure. The others Uncle John invited to have lunch with him in a nearby hotel. Over the table, Hal asked Major Derevaux what he was doing in Rome. "I don't know as it is my secret now," replied the major. "I am here with a despatch from General Joffre. I cannot say exactly what the despatch contains, but at a guess I would say it has to do with the entrance of Italy into the war, and plans for a possible simultaneous advance between all the troops opposed to the Austro-German army." "I see," said Hal. "That would be a great thing. I wish we were going back to the front with you." "Well, you're not," said Uncle John briefly. "We won't argue about it," said Chester, smiling. "But you never can tell what will happen." Uncle John changed the subject abruptly. When the conversation reached this stage he always felt uncomfortable. "When are you going to start spy-hunting?" he asked. Chester looked at Hal. "What do you think?" he inquired.
{'title': 'The Boy Allies in Great Peril; Or, With the Italian Army in the Alps by Hayes', 'source': 'Project Gutenberg', 'lang': 'en'}