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46 PINOCCHIO “ It is beginning now.” " How much does it cost to go in?” " Twopence." Pinocchio, who was in a fever of curiosity, lost all control of himself, and without any shame he said to the boy to whom he was talking: " Would you lend me twopence until tomorrow? " " I would lend them to you willingly,” said the other, taking him off, “ but it so happens that to-day I cannot give them to you.” “T will sell you my jacket for twopence,” the puppet then said to him. “What do you think that I could do with a jacket of flowered paper? If there was rain and it got wet, it would be impossible to get it off my back.” “Will you buy my shoes? ” “They would only be of use to light the fire.” ‘How much will you give me for my cap? ” " That would be a wonderful acquisition indeed! A cap of bread crumb! There would be a risk of the mice coming to eat it whilst it was on my head.” Pinocchio was on thorns. He was on the point of making another offer, but he had not the courage. He hesitated, felt irresolute and remorseful. At last he said:
