Chapter XVIII

Big operations on the Carso—General optimism—No risks
taken—Great changes brought about by the victory—A trip to the
new lines—Gradisca and Sagrado—A walk round Gradisca—Monte
San Michele—Sagrado—Disappearance of Austrian aeroplanes and
observation balloons—Position of Italian “drachen” as compared
with French—On the road to Doberdo—_Moral_ of troops—Like at
a picnic—A regiment on its way to the trenches—The Italian a
“thinker”—Noticeable absence of smoking—My first impression of the
Carso—Nature in its most savage mood—The Brighton downs covered
with rocks—Incessant thunder of guns—Doberdo hottest corner of
the Carso—No troops—Stroll through ruins of street—Ready to make
a bolt—A fine view—The Austrian trenches—Shallow furrows—Awful
condition of trenches—Grim and barbarous devices—Austrian
infamies—Iron-topped bludgeons, poisoned cigarettes, etc.—Under
fire—A dash for a dug-out—The imperturbable _Carabinieri_—Like
a thunderbolt—A little incident—Brilliant wit—The limit of
patience—The Italian batteries open fire—No liberties to
be taken—On the way back—Effect of the heavy firing—Motor
ambulances—Magnified effect of shell fire on Carso—Rock
splinters—Terrible wounds 255