“Bless my soul,” he exclaimed.  “What in the name of all that’s wonderful are you doing here?  I thought you were dead.  And where is Chester?”

“I don’t know,” answered Hal, answering the last question first.

Upon Colonel Anderson’s—­he was no longer major—­request, Hal plunged into an account of what had transpired since they had last seen the gallant Englishman.  Now the Italian officer stepped forward.

“Then they are all right?” he questioned, indicating Hal and Uncle John.

“This one is,” replied Anderson, laying a hand on Hal’s shoulder.  “I don’t know the other.”

He hastened to introduce the two men.

Anderson turned to the Italian.

“It’s all right,” he said.

The latter saluted and moved away.

“While you are here,” said Anderson, “you will make yourselves at home in my quarters.  I am now called to the front.”

“Can’t we go with you?” asked Hal anxiously.

The colonel hesitated.

“Well, I guess it can be done,” he said at length.  “You have your horses; wait until I get mine.”

A command to his orderly and the horse was soon waiting.  The three rode forward and as they went the colonel explained something of the situation and his reason for being with the Italian army.

“I was sent here immediately Italy declared war,” he said, “at the request of the Italian government.  Of course, they didn’t ask for me personally, but they did ask for a British officer who had seen active service.  General French selected me, with the rank of colonel.  That’s why I’m here.”

“And this fighting now?” questioned Hal.  “Who is on the offensive?”

“The Austrians, at the moment,” was the reply.  “They have massed thousands of men to the north, and at the far side of the Alps.  We have let it be known that we were in insufficient strength here and the Austrians evidently hope, by a quick drive, to gain a foothold on Italian soil.  Fortunately, however, our lines were strengthened no later than yesterday and reinforcements still are arriving.  The Austrians have delayed too long.

“Now our troops are falling back slowly and in good order.  The Austrians, feeling sure of a quick victory, will follow them too far.  Then for our coup.  First the artillery, then the infantry and cavalry, and let me tell you something, this Italian artillery fire is going to be one of the wonders of the war.  Its effect will be terrific.  Watch and see.”

In the distance now the three made out a squad of a dozen men advancing toward them, with what appeared to be two prisoners in their midst.

“We’ll have a look and see what’s up,” declared Colonel Anderson.

They rode forward.

As at last they were able to make out the faces of the two apparent prisoners, Hal uttered a loud shout and spurred his horse forward.  Uncle John took a second look and did likewise.  Colonel Anderson rode rapidly after them.