Page:The adventures of Pinocchio (Cramp 1904).djvu/130

 When Pinocchio had drunk like a sponge he muttered, drying his mouth, “If I could only eat as much as I drank!”

The good woman, hearing these words, replied quickly, “If you will help me carry one of these pitchers of water up the hill, I will give you a nice piece of bread.”

Pinocchio looked at the pitchers of water and did not say Yes or No.

“And with the piece of bread I will give you a piece of cauliflower dipped in oil and vinegar.”

Pinocchio gave another glance at the pitcher and did not say Yes or No.

“And after the cauliflower I will give you a piece of cake.”

At this Pinocchio could resist no longer. He said, “Pshaw! I will carry the pitcher to your home.” The pitcher was very heavy, and not being able to carry it with his hands he put it on his head. After they arrived at the house the good woman prepared the table and gave the marionette all that she had promised. Pinocchio did not eat; he gorged. His little stomach was so empty that one would think he had not eaten for a week.

Calming his hunger little by little, he raised his head in order to thank his benefactress. Hardly had he looked at her when he uttered a long “Oh-h-h-h!”