to your father."

Pinocchio thrust his head through the hole and leaped into the tent.
The naughty marionette had not the least desire to go to school, and
was only too glad of an excuse to watch these strange people.


8. He Bids Good-by To The Animals

THE show had begun. The director was explaining to the people the
wonders of his menagerie.

"Ladies and gentlemen, observe the beauty and the wildness of all
these animals, which I have brought from Central Africa. Here they are,
inclosed in these many cages, but hidden from your view. Why are they
hidden? Because, ladies and gentlemen, you would be frightened at the
sight of them, and your peace and health greatly concern me. The first
animal which I have the pleasure to present to you is the elephant.
Observe, ladies and gentlemen, that small affair which hangs under his
nose. With that he builds houses, tills the soil, writes letters,
carries trunks, and picks flowers. You can see that the animal was
painted from life and placed in this beautiful frame."

The people began to look at one another.

"Now, ladies and gentlemen, let us go on to the next one."

A roar of laughter and jeers arose on all sides. The director saw
the unfortunate state of things and began to shout: "Have respect,
ladies, for the poor sick monkey I told you of. At this moment she is