“I have had experience,” said Pinocchio; “now you will see that I obey.”
“We shall see if you speak the truth.”
In a little more than an hour all his friends were invited. Some accepted at once; others hesitated until they heard of the good things to eat. Then they said, “We will surely come.”
Now you must know that among his companions there was one that he liked best of all. His name was Romeo; but he was nicknamed Lamp Wick, because he was as dry as a new lamp wick that people use to light their houses.
Lamp Wick was the most careless and mischievous boy in all the school, but Pinocchio liked him very much. He went to look for him so as to give him an invitation to the party next day; but he sought in vain. Where could he be? He looked here and there and finally found him under a shed of a country house.
“What are you doing here?” asked Pinocchio.
“I am waiting until it is midnight, so that I can go away.”
“Where are you going?”
“Far away, far away, far away.”
“I have looked for you everywhere.”
“What do you want with me?”
“Have you not heard?”
