Stranica 68 [68]
58 PINOCCHIO
But he had not gone far when he met on the
road a Fox lame of one foot, and a Cat blind
of both eyes, who were going along helping
each other like good companions in misfortune.
The Fox, who was lame, walked leaning on the
Cat, and the Cat, who was blind, was guided by
the Fox.
" Good day, Pinocchio,” said the Fox, ac¬
costing him politely.
‘“ How do you come to know my name?”
asked the puppet. "
" I know your father well."
“Where did you see him? ”
"TI saw him yesterday at the door of his
house.”
" And what was he doing? ”
" He was in his shirt sleeves and shivering
with cold.”
“Poor papa! But that is over; for the
future he shal] shiver no more! . . ."
" Why?
‘“‘ Because I am become a gentleman.”
“A gentleman—you!” said the Fox, and
he began to laugh rudely and scornfully. The
Cat also began to laugh, but to conceal it she
combed her whiskers with her forepaws.
"There is little to laugh at,” cried Pinoc¬
chio angrily. “I am really sorry to make your
mouths water, but if you know anything about