Part 3 (1/2)

”But I have no money to pay for the uniform,” said Tony.

”If you cannot pay, the State will give you a uniform. Every boy in Italy should belong to the Balilla.”

As he said this he saluted. His arm shot out stiffly, the palm of his hand exposed. He drew himself up like a soldier.

”It is fine to march with a band,” he went on. ”The State will help to educate you and will send you to a seaside camp in summer.”

”A poor boy like me?” Tony's eyes were wide.

The other smiled. ”Have you never heard how the Balilla started?” he asked.

Then he told Tony about another poor boy who had lived in Genoa years ago. When the Austrians attacked his city, he threw a stone and started an uprising. The enemy was driven away.

”That boy's name was 'Balilla,'” explained Young Italy. ”Before he threw the stone, he went forward with the words, 'Shall I begin?'”

Tony's face shone with pleasure.

”Shall I begin? Shall I begin?” he muttered to himself. Why not? It would be glorious to march through the parks, waving banners. He would study hard and learn to be a soldier.

But then, Tony thought of the training and discipline. He did not want to be trained. He wanted to run wild and beg money of foreigners.

And what of Tina? There would be no place for a little dog in a military group of boys.

Besides, Guido would never allow him to join. Guido needed him.

But suppose he should run away from Guido? Oh, then he felt sure that the Marionette Man would starve Tina.

[Ill.u.s.tration: TINA WAS VERY SERIOUS]

Tony always saw that the dog had enough to eat. It was he who cared for her, dressed her in her fancy costume and put her through her little tricks between each act of the puppet show.

She slept with Tony and did not have to s.h.i.+ver outside any more. No, Tony could not leave Tina!

”Will you come with me now?” asked Young Italy. ”Will you begin?”

Tony wiped the traces of macaroni from his mouth. He looked straight at the boy in uniform.

”I do not wish to join,” he lied.

Then he ran off.

When he reached home Guido asked, ”Where is the money?”

Tony handed him two pennies.

Guido laughed. ”The rest! Come, that is not all!”

”It is all,” said Tony.