The boys were the first to join the resistance movement against the Germans because 

• the Germans had hurt their sister

• the Germans ruled the city 

• the Germans had ruined their family

• the Germans had destroyed their homes.

'We do many things, sir,' Nicola answered seriously. He glanced at us hopefully. 

He coloured deeply under his sunburn, then grew pale.

He smiled uncomfortably. 'Just plans, sir,' he answered in a low voice. 

Yet in both these boyish faces there was a seriousness which was far beyond their years. 

Why didn't Luigi, the driver, approve of the two?

Why were the narrator and his companion impressed by the two boys?

Why was the author surprised to see Nicola and Jacopo working as shoeshine boys?

How were the boys useful to the author?

Why were the boys in the deserted square at night? What character traits do they exhibit? 

The narrator asks the boys, 'Must you work so hard? You both look rather tired.' The boys reply, 'We are not complaining, sir.' What do you learn about the boys from their reply?