PINOCCHIO SELLS DRINKING WATER
The time passed quickly. At the dinner hour Pinocchio had a great
appetite and ate with much enjoyment. The master praised him highly for
the tidy appearance of the store and urged him to keep up his good
work.
At the end of twenty years, he said, You will have put aside enough
to return home, and a little extra money to spend on poor old Geppetto.
Now that you have eaten, take this leather bag and fill it with water,
which you are to sell about the city. When you return we shall know how
much you have made.
The bag was soon strapped on his shoulders and the marionette was shown
the door. Remember, said his master, a cent a glass!
Pinocchio set out down the narrow street. He walked on, little caring
where he went. His wooden brains were far away. He was grieved. Had the
master known just how the marionette felt he would have run after him
and at least regained his leather bag.
Pinocchio walked on. He was soon among a hurrying crowd of people. Can
this be Egypt in Africa? I have read about it often.
A man, wrapped in a white cloak, touched him on the shoulder. Pinocchio
did not understand, and started to go on about his business, but the
man took him roughly by the nose. Pinocchio shrieked. The crowd
stopped. At last, he discovered that the man wanted water. Pinocchio
placed the bag on the ground. Then he poured the water into a glass.
The man drank, paid, and went his way.
What a thirst for water Africans have! thought the marionette, as he
remembered his companions of the circus. I like ices better, and I am
going to try to get one with this penny. At once he started off,
leaving the leather bag behind.