Part 2 (2/2)

One legend tells that the poet, Virgil, put an enchanted egg between the walls of the castle. So long as this egg remained in its place, the city of Naples was supposed to be safe.

But the real reason for the castle's strange name is, no doubt, its egg-like shape.

High up on a hill of Naples is a park of rare beauty. From here one looks down upon the island of Nisida. Like the Castle of the Egg, this island was once the home of great Roman generals. Today they are both prisons.

But let us go back and find Tony. He now turned into the crowded part of the city where the noise and the smells begin. He felt more at home there.

He stopped and bought a meal of fresh fish for Tina at a small stand.

Then he stuffed himself full of macaroni and candies. At last he had only a few pennies left.

A boy in uniform had been watching Tony. He was dressed in olive-green breeches and black s.h.i.+rt. He wore a small cap with a ta.s.sel on it.

He belonged to the Balilla, the Italian Boy Scouts. The Government is directing them in sports and work of all kinds. They are growing up to be strong and loyal to their country.

[Ill.u.s.tration: ”I WANT TO HELP YOU,” SAID THE BOY]

”h.e.l.lo,” said the boy to Tony.

”Good-bye,” said Tony to the boy.

He began to saunter off.

”Wait,” said the boy. ”I would like to speak with you.”

Now, every young Italian hopes to join the Balilla. So, of course, Tony did, too. But how could a little beggar, who had hardly enough to eat, expect to belong to such a grand company?

Tony did not even want to talk with this modern son of Italy.

”I must go,” he mumbled.

But the boy walked over to him and began to speak earnestly.

”I just noticed that you were very hungry,” he said. ”Why was that?”

Tony's eyes gleamed angrily. ”Because I had eaten too much!” he snapped.

What right had this fellow to detain and mock him because he was poor?

”I mean no harm,” said the lad. ”I only want to help you. Do you know that you may join the Balilla if you want to?”

”I?” inquired Tony.

[Ill.u.s.tration: BOYS OF THE BALILLA]

”Yes, you, or any other boy who wishes to join.”

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