The central record. (Lancaster, Ky.) 18??-current, 1918-03-28
Three Brothers
By ALAN iiiNsDALE
right 1917. Western Newspaper Union. !,

Before the recent German attack In
Italy the Italians and the Austrinns
were fighting In the mountains, the for
mer slowly working their way down to-
ward Trieste. II was slow work. The
Italians after pulling guns up decllv-
ity would spend months In reducing the
works of the Austrians on n height
where they had established themselves
ON the other side OF a depression in
the mountains. Then they would take
up the position the Austrians had left.
the Austrians would establish them
selves on another defcnsible height,
and the work Of reduction would begin
again.
In the Italian artillery forces there
was gunner named Luigi Marlni,
though he was known only to his fell
low soldiers ms Luigi. Me was n re-
markable artillerlst. Eschewing the
modern contrivances for range finding
he would aim his pieces and II re-
quired but two or three shots from
him To strike an object across n valley
several miles broad. lie did such good
work that his officers did not attempt
20 impress their instructions upon him,
but left him Ia dcmollsh breast works
and dlsmantle guns any way he saw 1T.
When Lulgis gun was once In posi-.
ton, II was always placed behind IA
rock-it was left him TO serve. the rest
Of the squad going To other duties. Only
one person remained. stripping boy.
named Arturio with no aeard ON his
face. who helped him while loading the
gun. When Ariurio was not thus en-
gagged he would be picking OF the Aus
trians with his rifle. lie seemed de.
voted 10 Luigi and both were attached
10 the gun. They were known among
the troops as the three brothers, Luigi,
Arturio. and the gun.
Al one time the three brothers were
operating across valley 80 narrow
that they could use both the gun and
the rifle.
But the enemy soon saw the neces-
sity OF stopping this effective work.
An officer with pair Of glasses kept
watch Of the Italian lines and after
awhile located the spot whence came
the shots that were doing 50 much
damage. lie called to one Of his own
gunnrrs, pointed out the rock behind
which Luigis gun was stationed and
told him 10 put II out Of commission.
The gunner began tu send shots TO the
location Indicated and at the fifth shot
two OF the three brothers were knocked
out. One was Luigi, the other was the
gun. Luigi was Killed and the gun was
gismHntled and rolled down the noun
tain side.
Arturlo was not injured. but he was
thrown into great grief by the loss Of
his brothers. lie was found weeping
and wriuging his hands. This was not
considered very soldlerly but ARTURO
had done such good work that his com
rades were disposed TO excuse him.
(which are you weeping for, Ar
turio," asked a comrade. Luigi or the
gum"
Both" was the reply.
well. cheer up: there are more
guns just as good rs the one you have
lost"
yes, but there are no more
Lulgis."
~ AhA ~ NAAN'h az AAAsA hhes
captain ordered him TO another gun.
lie obcyed the order, but did not stick
10 the gun. His captain found him be-
hind the rock which had protected LuI-
gi's gun.
"What Is the matter with your ask
ed the captain. elias the lass of your
gun taken the courage out Of your
Go back TO the gun 10 which | ordered
you"
Arturio said nothing but went back
20 the station 10 which he had been
ordered. But he was useless there
and those serving the gun told him
that they had no work for such a weak
ling, and he soon returned Ia his or
iginal position. The captain having no
time to attend TO his case he was left
there until the enemy were driven
from their line across the valley, and
took up stand further on. While the
Italians were getting their guns across
the valley lowering them with ropes.
md raising them ON the other side by
the same means ARTURO went TO head
quarters. The general happened TO be
standing there smoking cigarette.
General" said ARTURO, IL would
Ike a discharge"
"On what grounds, my boyT
II am the wife Of Luigi Mnrlnl."
1.-THE man who dlsmounted So many
of the enemy's gunsf'
"Yes, general"
II have heard OF the three brothers.
SO you are the last, and a woman"
"Yes, general" she replied holding
her rifle toward him. II have avenged
the others. There are twenty-seven
notches ON the stock, one for each Aus
trlan | have brought down with my
.fle since they killed my husband"
The general examined the rifle and
the notches admlringly. Then the
oman held her hat to the light II
Twas perforated with holes.
"what does this meanf" asked the
general.
ii held my hat above the rock behind
which my husbands gun had been