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72
PINOCCHIO
surrounded the bed of Pinocchio,—“I should like to know if this unhappy marionette is dead or alive.”
At this invitation the Crow stepped forward, tested the pulse of Pinocchio, tested his nose, and then his little toe. When he had tested him thoroughly he pronounced these words: “It is my
belief that the marionette is quite dead; but if through some awkwardness he should not be dead, then it would be a sure sign that he is alive.”
“It pains me,” said the Owl, “to have to contradict the Crow, my illustrious friend and colleague. To me, however, the marionette is quite alive; but if through some awkwardness he should not be alive, then it would be a sure sign that he is dead.”
