on a front from the Asiago Plateau to the sea, a distance of
ninety-seven miles.

From the very start it was plain that the Italians were resisting
magnificently. The offensive was not unexpected, either in time or
locality, and had been openly discussed in the Italian press. The
Italians therefore were not taken by surprise, and moreover since the
disaster of Caparetto the Italians had learned by a patient campaign of
education what they were fighting for.

On the second day of the battle the Austrian troops made a desperate
effort to break through the Italian lines, particularly in the eastern
sector of the Asiago Plateau, and crossed the Piave River at two places.
They also attacked the French positions between Osteria di Monfenera and
Maranzine, but were driven back with heavy loss. At every point where
the Austrians were able to advance the Italians initiated vigorous
counter-attacks. The order to Italy's army was, "Hold at any cost."

On the third day of the battle the Austrian offensive was being strongly
checked. They had established three bridgeheads on the Piave, but had
not been able to advance. The most notable of these crossings was that
in the Montello sector. Montello is of particular importance, because it
is the hinge between the mountains and the Piave sectors of the Italian
front. If it could be held the Austrians would be in a position to
dominate from the flank and rear all the Italian positions defending the
line of the Piave in the dead flat plain to the south.

[Illustration: Painting]
STORMING THE MOLE AT ZEEBRUGGE
One of the most brilliant and spectacular feats in naval history was
the British blocking of the submarine harbor at Zeebrugge. The picture
shows one of the detachments of marines that braved the terrific
German defense fire and swarmed up the mole that protects the harbor,
planting explosives that made a great breach and let the tides in.

[Illustration: Photograph]
ITALIAN TROOPS TREKKING THE SNOW-FIELDS OF THE ALPS
The Alpine troops of the Italian army have for years developed a
military technique peculiar to the regions they must cover. Here a
battalion of Alpini is seen on skis, the best method for traveling
over the frozen snow crusts of the mountain region.

On the Lower Piave the Austrians had made gains and had captured Capo
Sile. The Austrians were using a million men and were using liquid fire
and gas bombs, but their every move was resis