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PINOCCHIO 173
country all the weeks consist of six ‘Thursdays
and one Sunday?”
‘Most certain.”
“But do you know for certain that the
holidays begin on the 1st of January and finish
on the last day of December?”
‘ Assuredly.”
“What a delightful country!” repeated
Pinocchio, looking enchanted. Then, with a
resolute air, he added in a great hurry:
“This time really good-bye, and a pleasant
journey to you."
‘“ Good-bye.”
‘When do you start?
“ Shortly.”
“What a pity! If really it wanted only an
hour to the time of your start, I should be
almost tempted to wait.”
‘And the Fairy?”
" It is already late. ... If I return home
an hour sooner or an hour later it will be all
the same."
‘Poor Pinocchio! And if the Fairy scolds
you!”
‘“T must have patience! I will let her scold.
When she has scolded well she will hold her
tongue.”
In the meantime night had come on and it
was quite dark. Suddenly they saw in the