Military life in Italy : sketches - Societa italiana di storia militare

74 MILITARY LIFE.
as there are officers, and as many
Don't be anxious."
brothers as there are soldiers.
Then wishing to quiet him and make him
smile, I said " And if
any one asks you whose son you arc and
:
where you have come from, you must answer that you are the son
of the regiment, and that we found you in the folds of our
"
flag do
; you understand ?
He smiled slightly, and made a sign in the affirmative.
" And meanwhile," I continued, " as soon as we start, you
shall come with me or with some one of us, and keep beside us,
and walk as long as your legs will permit ;
then when you are
tired, you are to say so, do you understand ? and we will put
you in a wagon."
Poor Carluccio, who could not comprehend so many demonstrations
of kindness and feared he was dreaming, made a sign
in the affirmative by bowing and raising his head and looking
at us with his eyes full of surprise.
"
How do you feel now ? Are you tired ? Are you thirsty ? Do
you want something to eat ? Do you wish a little coffee, or a
little rosolio 1 "
" No, thank you, I am not thirsty "; and he tried to push
back the flask of rosolio which an officer held out to him.
"
Drink, drink,
it will do you good and make you strong ;
drink."
Do you want something to eat ? There is
nothing but
bread just now. Oh !
"
lantern there, give us a piece of bread !
The soldier holding the lantern drew quickly from his pocket
a bit of bread and handed it to him.
" No, thank you, I am not hungry."
"
Eat, eat ; you have been walking for a long time, and
ought to refresh your stomach."