Page:Collodi - The Story of a Puppet, translation Murray, 1892.djvu/60

 Pinocchio ran at once, and climbing like a squirrel up the showman's beard he deposited a hearty kiss on the point of his nose.

'Then the pardon is granted?' asked poor Harlequin in a faint voice that was scarcely audible.

'The pardon is granted!' answered Fireeater: he then added, sighing and shaking his head:

'I must have patience! To-night I shall have to resign myself to eat the mutton half raw; but another time, woe to him who chances! . . .'

At the news of the pardon the puppets all ran to the stage, and having lighted the lamps and chandeliers as if for a full-dress performance, they began to leap and to dance merrily. At dawn they were still dancing.