Stranica 243 [243]
OCR
PINOCCHIO 219 swimmer, and you can get on my shoulders and I will carry you safely to shore." ‘ All illusions, my boy!” replied Geppetto, shaking his head, with a melancholy smile. ‘Do you suppose it possible that a puppet like you, scarcely a metre high, could have the strength to swim with me on his shoulders! ” “Try it and you will see!” Without another word Pinocchio took the candle in his hand, and going in front to light the way, he said to his father: “ Follow me, and don’t be afraid.” And they walked for some time and traversed the body and the stomach of the Dogfish. But when they had arrived at the point where the monster’s big throat began, they thought it better to stop to give a good look round and to choose the best moment for escaping. Now I must tell you that the Dog-fish, being very old, and suffering from asthma and palpitation of the heart, was obliged to sleep with his mouth open. Pinocchio, therefore, having approached the entrance to his throat and, looking up, could see beyond the enormous gaping mouth a large piece of starry sky and beautiful moonlight. “This is the moment to escape,” he whispered, turning to his father; “ the Dog-fish is
