My credentials—The War Zone—Italy’s preparedness—The Press
Censorship—General Elia’s advice—Disappointment—A pipe in the
Pincio—An inspiration—I leave for Venice—Venice in war time—The
lonely pigeons of the Place St. Marc—The Doge’s Palace—The
bronze horses—Interior of St. Marc, strange spectacle—First act
of war between Italy and Austria—Aeroplane bombs Venice—French
Aviators—Treasures of Venice—Everyday life in Venice during
daytime—After nightfall—On the _qui vive_—Extraordinary
precautions—Dangers of the streets—Spy fever—_Permis de séjour_—The
angry crowd—Defences against air attacks—Venice not a _place
forte_—Nearest point of the Front—The British Vice-Consul, Mr.
Beak—A good Samaritan—The letter of credentials—The Commandant of
Venice—More advice—New Rescript of the Generalissimo—Reference
to Correspondents—Decide attempt go to Udine—The language
difficulty—The waiter at the Hotel Danielli—His offer to
accompany me—Make arrangements at once—Introduced to Peppino
Garibaldi—Amusing incident 15