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142 PINOCCHIO “In making you miss school, and persuading you to come with us. Are you not ashamed of being always so punctual and so diligent with your lessons? Are you not ashamed of studying so hard?” “ And if I study hard what concern is it of yours! © “Tt concerns us excessively, because it makes us appear in a bad light to the master.” “Why?” “Because boys who study make those who, like us, have no wish to learn seem worse by eomparison. And that is too bad. We too have our pride! . . ." “ "Then what must I do to please you!” “You must follow our example and hate school, lessons, and the master—our three greatest enemies. " “ And if I wish to continue my studies? " “Tn that case we will have nothing more to do with you, and at the first opportunity we will make you pay for it.” “Really,” said the puppet, shaking his head, " you make me inclined to laugh.” “Eh, Pinocchio!” shouted the biggest of the boys, confronting him. " None of your superior airs: don’t come here to crow over us! , . . for if you are not afraid of us, we are not
