  Pinocchio went away very angry, vowing that he would avenge himself on all who had laughed at him. “To begin with,” said he, “I intend to make them all die of thirst. If they wait to drink of the water that I bring, they will certainly die.” With these thoughts in his mind the marionette started homeward, carrying the bucket on his head. “The bucket will repay me for all the work I have had put upon me. How unlucky we children are! Wherever we go, there is always something for us to do. To-day I thought I would simply enjoy myself; instead, I have had to carry water for a company of strangers. How absurd! two trips, one after the other, to give drink to people I do not know! And how they drink! they seem to be sponges. For my part they can be thirsty as long as they like. I feel now as if I would never again move a finger for them. I am not going to be laughed at.” As he finished these remarks Pinocchio arrived at the fountain. It was delightful to see the clear water rushing out, but he could not help thinking of those poor creatures who were waiting for him. He had to stop. “Shall I or shall I not?” he asked himself. “After all, they are good people, who are forced to imitate wild animals; and besides, they have treated me with some kindness. I may as well carry some water to them; a trip more or less makes no difference to me.” He approached the fountain, filled the bucket, and ran down the road. “Hello within there!” he said in a low voice. “Here is the bucket of water; come and take it, for I am not going in.” “Good marionette,” said the beasts, “thank you!” “Don’t mention it,” replied Pinocchio, very happy. “Why will you not come in?” “It is impossible, thank you. I must go to school.” “Then you are not going to Africa?” “Who told you that! I am returning to school to bid farewell to my teacher, and to ask him to excuse me for a few days. Then I wish to see my father and ask his permission to go, so that he will not be anxious while I am away.” “Excellent marionette, you will become famous.” “What agreeable people!” thought Pinocchio. “I am sorry to leave them.” “So you really will not come in?” “No, I have said so before. I must go to school first, and then—” “But it seems to me rather late for school,” said the crocodile man. “That is true; it is too late for school,” replied Pinocchio. “Well, then, stay a little longer with us, and later you can go home to your father.” Pinocchio thrust his head through the hole and leaped into the tent. The naughty marionette had not the least desire to go to school, and was only too glad of an excuse to watch these strange people. |
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