Stranica 196 [196]
OCR
176 PINOCCHIO All the boys as soon as they saw him fell in love with him, and vied with each other in taking places in his coach to be conducted to the true land of Cocagne, known on the geographical map by the seducing name of the “Land of Boobies.” The coach was in fact quite full of boys between eight and twelve years old, heaped one upon another like herrings in a barrel. They were uncomfortable, packed close together and could hardly breathe: but nobody said Oh!—nobody grumbled. ‘The consolation of knowing that in a few hours they would reach a country where there were no books, no schools, and no masters, made them so happy and resigned that they felt neither fatigue nor inconvenience, neither hunger, nor thirst, nor want of sleep. As soon as the coach had drawn up, the little man turned to Candlewick, and with a thousand smirks and grimaces said to him, smiling: - "Tell me, my fine boy, would you also like to go to that fortunate country? ” ‘‘T certainly wish to go.” - But I must warn you, my dear child, that there is not a place left in the coach. You can see for yourself that it is quite full...” “No matter," replied Candlewick; “if
