What right had this fellow to detain and mock him because he was poor?
"I mean no harm," said the lad. "I only want to help you. Do you know that you may join the Balilla if you want to?"
"I?" inquired Tony.
| BOYS OF THE BALILLA |
"Yes, you, or any other boy who wishes to join."
"But I have no money to pay for the uniform," said Tony.
"If you cannot pay, the State will give you a uniform. Every boy in Italy should belong to the Balilla."
As he said this he saluted. His arm shot out stiffly, the palm of his hand exposed. He drew himself up like a soldier.