Pinocchio, as it is easy to imagine, thanked the manager many times. He embraced the marionettes one after another, and, nearly crazy with joy, started back to his home. But he had not gone half a mile when he met a Fox lame in one paw, and a Cat blind in both yes. The Fox, who limped, leaned on the Cat; and the Cat, who was blind, was guided by the Fox.
“Good morning, Pinocchio,” said the Fox, saluting him politely.
“How do you know my name?” asked the marionette.
“I know your papa very well.”
“When did you see him?”
“I saw him yesterday at the door of his house.”
“What was he doing?”
“He was in his shirt sleeves and he trembled with the cold.”
“Poor Papa! but he will tremble no more after to-day.”
“Why?”
“Because I have become a great, rich man.”
“You a great, rich man!” said the Fox, and he laughed aloud. The Cat also laughed, but in order not to be seen laughing he stroked his mustache with his two front paws.
“What are you laughing about?” said Pinocchio,
