A RIDE ON A DOGS BACK
A crowd of boys had by this time gathered in the street. They began,
after the manner of boys in nearly every part of the world, to annoy
one who was clearly a stranger. They did not know Pinocchio, however,
nor the force of his feet and elbows. There came a shower of kicks and
punches, and the boys scattered. Away flew Pinocchio. The people were
astonished to see those tiny legs fly like the wind. They shouted and
ran after him. Pinocchio resolved not to be caught. He turned into a
side street that led into the open country. A large dog, stretched out
upon the ground, was in his way. Pinocchio measured the distance and
leaped.
At that very moment the dog sprang up, and hardly knowing how it
happened, Pinocchio found himself astride his back. Barking furiously,
the animal shot along like a cannon ball. The poor boy felt sure that
he was going to break his neck and prayed for safety. On they rushed.
The dog jumped over rocks and ditches as if he had done nothing in all
his life but carry marionettes on his back.
Is it possible that he is a horse-dog? thought Pinocchio. If he is,
I shall ride him always, and when I return home, I shall present him to
my father. My companions will die of envy when they see me riding to
school like a gentleman. I shall make him a saddle like those I saw on
the circus horses, and a pair of silver stirrups. A saddle is really
necessary, because it is very uncomfortable to ride in this way.
The came to a deep gully and the dog prepared to make the leap.
Pinocchio muttered to himself: This is the end. If I cross this in
safety, I will surely return home and go to school.
There was a leap, and a plunge into the black, empty air. When he
opened his eyes, he found himself lying at the bottom of a precipice in
total darkness. How long had he been in the air? The marionette did not
know. He remembered only that while flying down he had heard a familiar
voice call, Pinocchio! Pinocchio! Pinocchio!
Farewell to the world and to Africa, said the marionette. Wooden
marionettes will never learn. Here I shall stay forever. It serves me
right.