Stranica 256 [256]
OCR
232 PINOCCHIO shall then be able to give you some more money. Up to this time I have worked to maintain my papa: Írom to-day I will work five hours more that I may also maintain my good mamma. Good-bye, I shall expect you in two days.” The Snail, contrary to her usual habits, began to run like a lizard in a hot August sun. That evening Pinocchio, instead of going to bed at ten o'clock, sat up till midnight had struck; and instead of making eight baskets of rushes he made sixteen. — Then he went to bed and fell asleep. And whilst he slept he thought that he saw the Fairy smiling and beautiful, who, kissing him, said: . Well done, Pinocchio! To reward you for your good heart I will forgive you for all that is past. Boys who minister tenderly to their parents, and assist them in their misery and infirmities, are deserving of great praise and affection, even if they cannot be cited as examples of obedience and good behaviour. try and do better in the future and you will be happy.” At this moment his dream ended, and Pinocchio opened his eyes and awoke. But imagine his astonishment when upon awakening he discovered that he was no longer a wooden puppet, but that he had become instead a boy, like all other boys. He gave a
