  He saw nothing but rocks and sand; rocks that shone like mirrors, and sand that burned like fire. He walked on very sadly, without knowing where. Presently he found himself upon a hill, from which he could see a vast plain crossed by a wide highway. A long line of people and camels were on the march, but how strange they looked! They were going along with heads down and feet up. At first the marionette was filled with a strong desire to laugh; then he became frightened and rubbed his eyes, doubting what they told him. “Am I dreaming?” he said to himself. The line continued its march, and he distinctly heard the people laugh and joke as they all sat upside down on the backs of the inverted camels. “I was not prepared for this! What a strange way of traveling they have in Africa! Maybe I too am walking on my head!” and he touched himself to make sure that his head was in its proper place. Meanwhile the caravan passed on, and Pinocchio stood still, his eyes fixed upon the camels as they disappeared at the turning of the road. The only thing left for him to do was to follow them. “Either on my head or on my feet I shall surely arrive somewhere! I do not believe that all those people will walk on air forever. Sometime or other they will stop to eat. I shall be there to help them.” As he spoke the marionette started forward, walking rapidly in the hot sun. |
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