PINOCCHIO TRAVELS THROUGH THE EMPIRE
In order that his faithful subjects might behold their new sovereign,
Pinocchio the First resolved to make a tour of the villages of his vast
empire and see with his own eyes the needs of his people.
The arrangements were made by the ministers of state. Messages were
sent to all the governors to make preparations for the event, to select
committees to meet the emperor, to provide entertainment, in short, to
have everything in readiness.
It was a big task. The emperor, however, did not trouble himself about
it. He amused himself watching the crickets and the birds, laughing at
the antics of some little monkeys, and playing with his boy pages.
Sometimes he spoke of his past. He told his pages about his travels,
his struggles, his suffering. He told them how he had struggled with
the waves of a stormy sea, and about the fish from whose stomach he had
rescued his father Geppetto. He recalled his dear Fatina, that gentle
and beautiful lady with the blue hair, and, placing his hand upon his
breast, took an oath, as emperor and king, that he would have her come
to Africa. That thought made him happy, and he went on to describe the
feast they would have on her arrival. He had resolved to make her queen
of one of his states.
Marameho shared the joy of his emperor, but a cloud of sadness came
over his face when he heard him build these castles in the air, and
make such plans for the future. The poor boy had already seen too many
changes to believe that anything in the world would last long. He was
aware that his emperor was in grave danger, but he did not dare to warn
him.
However, events quickly ran their course. The preparations were
completed, and on a bright, sunny day, Pinocchio the First, Emperor and
King of all the African kings, took his place upon a litter made of
branches, which was borne aloft by four robust men. Following these
came all the ministers, and the days march was begun.
Wherever they went, there was loud applause for the emperor. The
mothers were pleased because their ruler had promised to stop
compulsory instruction. They expressed their thanks in flattering
words, some of which reached the emperors ears.
How fine is that wooden head! said one. It is easy to see that he is
a king of great endurance! They say he can jump wonderfullyjust like a
marionette!
Toward evening the tents were erected. In the largest of these
Pinocchio gave a supper to all the ministers,a splendid supper which
lasted till late that night. A blazing fire protected the court against
the attacks of wild animals and the cold of the night.
The ministers retired about midnight. Pinocchio, left alone, began to
walk up and down in his tent, with his hands behind him and his head
lowered. He had seen at school a picture of the great Napoleon in the
same attitude.
He thought of his stay in Africa, and of the strange things which had
befallen him. He thought of the treasures he had not yet found. While
pondering on all these things he approached the entrance of the tent,
and in the faint light of the dying fire, he saw a group of men huddled
together. Drawing nearer, he heard them talking.
If things go well, as I hope they will, we shall gather many
presents, the prime minister was saying. It cannot be denied that he
is attractive, and I am sure that all our people will vie with each
other in making gifts. Therefore, I entreat you to be patient. When the
visit is ended we will share what has been gathered.
After a long silence, interrupted only by the roar of a lion prowling
about, the prime minister continued: As for him, we will dispatch him
in the quickest way. If he were not of wood, he added in a deep voice,
he would be good roasted, but
Then some one threw an armful of branches on the fire. The flames lit
up the tent, but Pinocchio saw and heard no more, for he had vanished
out of sight.
At dawn, notices were sent throughout the whole country that the
emperor had disappeared, and that there was no trace of him to be
found!
The confusion was terrible. The people everywhere were aroused,charges
were brought against the government. The matter became so serious that
the ministers were forced to flee.
Among those who escaped was the prime minister. He went into the
forests determined to find the emperor. Having strong legs and a keen
nose, he was well fitted to track any kind of animal, including a
marionette.
In fact, after many hours of hard work, he beheld the emperor
scampering away from a herd of wild beasts. They evidently wanted to
make a meal of him. The court gentleman knew that these animals would
soon give up the chase, and was content to follow at a distance. After
a while daylight drove the beasts away, and the poor, tired emperor
threw himself flat upon the ground to regain his breath. Scarcely had
he done so when a roaring more terrible than that of wild beasts caused
him to spring to his feet in the vain hope of making his escape.