Stranica 252 [252]
228 PINOCCHIO
buckets of water, I will give you in compensas
tion a tumbler of milk.”
“It is a bargain.”
Giangio then led Pinocchio to the kitchen
garden and taught him how to turn the pump¬
ing machine. Pinocchio immediately began to
work; but before he had drawn up the hundred
buckets of water the perspiration was pouring
from his head to his feet. Never before had
he undergone such fatigue.
“Up till now,” said the gardener, “the
labour of turning the pumping machine was
performed by my little donkey; but the poor
animal is dying.”
“Will you take me to see him?” said
Pinocchio.
“ Willingly.”
When Pinocchio went into the stable he
saw a beautiful little donkey stretched on the
straw, worn out from hunger and overwork.
After looking at him earnestly he said to him¬
self, much troubled:
“Tam sure I know this little donkey! His
face 1s not new to me.”
And bending over him he asked him in
asinine language:
‘Who are you? ”
At this question the little donkey opened