Nicolawas the elder brother. He was 13 years old. He was wearing a worn jersey and cut-off khaki pants. At such a young age he had shouldered the responsibilities of looking after his family after losing his father in the war. He did various menial jobs such as, selling fruit, newspapers, shoe-shining, running errands, as guides, etc. to pay the medical expenses for their sister UNDERGOING medical treatment for the tuberculosis of the spine. He was were secretive by nature; he did not wan anyone to know about their troubles. He also did not like to have anyone’s help of any sort.

Jacopo, the younger one, barely came up to the door handle of the CAR, was nearly 12. He was wearing a shortened ARMY TUNIC gathered in loose folds about his skinny frame. He was as responsible as his elder brother and always lent a helping hand in all the jobs he did. Being younger, he was bubblier. He was not much cautious in keeping his secret from others. When the author expressed his desire to help them, he readily asked him to drive him and his brother to Poleta. Nicola did not like it.