“And what about your friend?” said the driver, turning most politely toward Pinocchio. “What will he do? Are you coming with us also?”
“I remain here,” replied Pinocchio. “I wish to return home. I prefer to study and to be a good boy.”
“What good will that do you?”
“Listen to me, Pinocchio,” said Lamp Wick; come with us and always be happy.”
“No, no, no!”
“Come with us and always be happy,” said four others.
“Come with us and always be happy,” said all the rest.
“And if I go with you, what will the good Fairy say?” asked Pinocchio, who began to feel as if he were being pulled by his sleeve.
“Do not think of that. Think of the country we shall be in. We shall be our own masters and make a fine noise all day long.”
Pinocchio did not reply, but gave a sigh; then he gave another sigh; then a third sigh; finally he said: “Give me a place. I will go with you.”
“All the places are full,” replied the driver; “but if you wish, take my place.”
“What will you do?”
“I will walk.”
