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OCR
PINOCCHIO 55 I am determined that my mutton shall be well roasted." " In that case,” cried Pinocchio proudly, rising and throwing away his cap of bread crumb—“ in that case I know my duty. Come on, gendarmes! Bind me and throw me amongst the flames. It is not just that poor Harlequin, my friend, should die for me! . . ." These words, pronounced in a loud heroic voice, made all the puppets who were present cry. Even the gendarmes, although they were made of wood, wept like two newly-born lambs. Fire-eater at first remained as hard and unmoved as ice, but little by little he began to melt and to sneeze. And having sneezed four or five times, he opened his arms affectionately, and said to Pinocchio: " You are a good, brave boy! Come here and give me a kiss.” Pinocchio ran at once, and climbing like a squirrel up the showman’s beard he deposited a hearty kiss on the point of his nose. " "Then the pardon is granted?” asked poor Harlequin in a faint voice that was scarcely audible. " "The pardon is granted!” answered Fireeater; he then added, sighing and shaking his head:
