PINOCCHIO DETERMINES TO GO TO AFRICA
Pinocchio had already resolved to go to Africa to eat of the fruit and
to gather riches. He was eager to learn more, and impatient of
interruption.
And the director is an African also?
Certainly he is an African.
And is he very rich?
Is he rich? Take my word for it that if he would, he could buy up this
whole country.
Pinocchio was struck dumb. Still he wanted to make the men believe that
what he had heard was not altogether new to him. Oh, I know that
Africa is a very beautiful country, and I have often planned to go
there,andif I were sure that it would not be too much trouble I would
willingly go with you.
With us? We are not going to Africa.
What a pity! I thought I could make the journey in your company.
Are you in earnest? asked the bearded man. Do you believe that there
is any Africa outside this tent?
Tent or no tent, I have decided to go to Africa, and I shall go,
boldly replied the marionette.
I like that youngster, said the man who played the part of a
crocodile. That boy will make his fortune someday.
Of course I shall! continued Pinocchio. I ought to have fifty
thousand francs, because I must get a new jacket for my father, who
sold his old one to buy me a spelling book. If there is so much gold
and silver in Africa, I will fill up a thousand vessels. Is it true
that there is a great deal of gold and silver?
Did we not tell you so? replied another voice. Why, if I had not
lost all that I had put in my pockets before leaving Africa, by this
time I should have become a prince. And now were it not for the fact
that I have promised to stay with these people, to be a panther at two
francs and a half a day, I would gladly go along with you.
Thank you; thank you for your good intentions, answered the
marionette. In case you decide to go with me, I start to-morrow
morning at dawn.
On what steamship?
What did you say? asked Pinocchio.
On what steamship do you sail?
Sail! I am going on foot.
At these words everybody laughed.
There is little to laugh at, my dear people. If you knew how many
miles I have traveled on these legs by day and by night, over land and
sea, you would not laugh. What! do you think Fairyland, the country of
the Blockheads, and the Island of the Bees are reached in a single
stride? I go to Africa, and I go on foot.
But it is necessary to cross the Mediterranean Sea.
It will be crossed.
On foot?
Either on foot or on horseback, it matters little. But pardon me,
after crossing the Mediterranean Sea, do you reach Africa?
Certainly, unless you wish to go by way of the Red Sea.
The Red Sea? No, truly!
Perhaps the route over the Red Sea would be better.
I do not wish to go near the Red Sea.
And why? asked the wolf man, who up to this time had not opened his
mouth.
Why? Why? Because I do not wish to get my clothes dyed; do you
understand?
More laughter greeted these words. Pinocchios wooden cheeks got very
red, and he sputtered: This is no way to treat a gentleman. I shall do
as I please, and I do not please to enter the Red Sea. That is enough.
Now I shall leave you, and he started off.
Farewell, farewell, marionette!
Farewell, you impolite beasts! Pinocchio wanted to call out, but he
did not.
Come back! cried the bearded man; here is the bucket; please fill it
once more, for I am still thirsty.