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XV THE ASSASSINS PURSUE PINOCCHIO; AND HAVING OVERTAKEN HIM HANG HIM TO A BRANCH OF THE BIG OAK x. this sight the puppet’s courage failed him, and he was on the point of throwing himself on the ground and giving himself over for lost. ‘Turning, however, his eyes in every direction, he saw at some distance, standing out amidst the dark green of the trees, a small house as white as snow. " If I had only breath to reach that house,” he said to himself, " perhaps I should be saved.” And without delaying an instant, he recommenced running for his life through the wood, and the assassins after him. At last, after a desperate race of nearly two hours, he arrived quite breathless at the door of the house, and knocked. No one answered. He knocked again with great violence, for he heard the sound of steps approaching him, and the heavy panting of his persecutors. The same silence. Seeing that knocking was useless he began in desperation to kick and pommel the door with all his might. The window then opened and a beautiful Child appeared at it. She had 74
