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.