"I cannot read in the dark," replied Pinocchio, trembling from head
to foot; "I am no cat."

At these words everybody began to laugh. Pinocchio felt a little
encouraged and murmured to himself, "They seem to be kind people, these
wild beasts."

He wanted to say something pleasant to them, but just then the
director of the company began to shout at the top of his voice.


5. Pinocchio Makes Friends With The Wild Animals

COME forward, come forward, ladies and gentlemen! The cost is small
and the pleasure is great. The show will last an hour, only one hour.
Come forward! See the battle between the terrible lion Zumbo and his
wife, the ferocious lioness Zumba. Behold the tiger that wrestles with
the polar bear, and the elephant that lifts the whole weight of the
tent with his powerful trunk. See the animals feed. Ladies and
gentlemen, come forward! Only two francs!"

At these words the men in the cages of the wild animals put horns,
sea shells, and whistles to their mouths, and the next moment there
came wild roarings and howls and shrieks. It was enough to make one
shudder with fear.

Again the director raised his voice: "Come forward, come forward,
ladies and gentlemen! two francs; children only one franc."

The music started: Boom! Boom! Boom! Par-ap'-ap'-pa! Boom! Boom!