“I recognized you also,” said Geppetto, “and I would willingly have come back; but how could I?—the sea was so rough and my boat was so frail. Then a horrible Dogfish that was near me put out its tongue and swallowed me like a pill.”
“And how long have you been shut up here?” asked Pinocchio.
“Two years, Pinocchio, that seemed like two centuries.”
“And how have you lived? And where did you find the candle and the matches to light it?”
“I will tell you all. Fortunately, when the Dogfish swallowed me he swallowed also the provisions I had on board the ship—”
“What? He swallowed all in a mouthful?” asked Pinocchio, surprised.
“All in a mouthful. But he did not like the mast of the boat; for that stuck in his teeth like a toothpick and he spat that out. As the boat was loaded with preserved meat, figs, biscuits, wine, raisins, coffee, sugar, candles, and matches, I was well supplied. To-day, however, I am burning my last candle—”
“And after that?”
“Why, my dear boy, we shall both be left in the dark.”
“Then, Papa,” said Pinocchio, “there is no time to lose. We must hurry and escape.”
