Chapter XIV

Slow but certain progress on the Trentino front—An open
secret—The mining of the Castalleto summit—Carried out by
_Alpini_—Recapture of Monte Cimone: also by _Alpini_—Heroic
exploits—Udine one’s _pied à terre_—An ideal “News centre”—The
Isonzo Front—The old days of the war correspondent as compared
with the present conditions—Well to be prepared—Returning to Udine
for lunch—Attracting attention—Unjustifiable—Things quiet at the
Front—Unusual heat of the summer—Changeable weather at Udine—Early
days of August—Increasing activity in the Isonzo Sector—Significant
fact—_Communiqué_ of August 4th—The _communiqué_ of the following
day—General attack by Italians all along this Front—Arrange start
for scene of action—My car companions 6th August—Magnificent
progress everywhere—Afternoon news—Capture of Monte Sabottina
announced—We make for Vipulzano—On the road—Stirring scenes—“New”
regiments—“Are we down-hearted”—The penchant for Englishmen—A
_cortège_ of prisoners—Like a huge crowd of beggars—Half-starved
and terror-stricken strapping young fellows 183