Unfortunately in the lives of puppets there is always a “but” that spoils everything.

[Illustration]

CHAPTER XXX

The “Land of boobies”

Pinocchio, as was natural, asked the Fairy’s permission to go round the town to give out the invitations, and the Fairy said to him: 

“Go, if you like, and invite your companions for the breakfast tomorrow, but remember to return home before dark.  Have you understood?”

“I promise to be back in an hour,” answered the puppet.

“Take care, Pinocchio!  Boys are always very ready to promise, but generally they are little given to keep their word.”

“But I am not like other boys.  When I say a thing, I do it.”

“We shall see.  If you are disobedient, so much the worse for you.”

“Why?”

“Because boys who do not listen to the advice of those who know more than they do always meet with some misfortune or other.”

“I have experienced that,” said Pinocchio, “but I shall never make that mistake again.”

“We shall see if that is true.”

Without saying more the puppet took leave of his good Fairy, who was like a mamma to him, and went out of the house singing and dancing.

In less than an hour all his friends were invited.  Some accepted at once heartily; others at first required pressing; but when they heard that the rolls to be eaten with the coffee were to be buttered on both sides they ended by saying: 

“We will come also, to do you a pleasure.”

Now I must tell you that amongst Pinocchio’s friends and school-fellows there was one that he greatly preferred and was very fond of.  This boy’s name was Romeo, but he always went by the nickname of Candlewick, because he was so thin, straight and bright, like the new wick of a little nightlight.

Candlewick was the laziest and the naughtiest boy in the school, but Pinocchio was devoted to him.  He had indeed gone at once to his house to invite him to the breakfast, but he had not found him.  He returned a second time, but Candlewick was not there.  He went a third time, but it was in vain.  Where could he search for him?  He looked here, there, and everywhere, and at last he saw him hiding on the porch of a peasant’s cottage.

“What are you doing there?” asked Pinocchio, coming up to him.

“I am waiting for midnight, to start away.”

“And where are you going?”

“I am going to live in a country—­the most delightful country in the world:  a real land of sweetmeats!”

“And what is it called?”

“It is called the ‘Land of Boobies.’  Why do you not come, too?”

“I?  No, never!”

“You are wrong, Pinocchio.  If you do not come you will repent it.  Where could you find a better country for us boys?  There are no schools there; there are no masters; there are no books.  In that delightful land nobody ever studies.  On Saturday there is never school, and every week consists of six Saturdays and one Sunday.  Only think, the autumn holidays begin on the first of January and finish on the last day of December.  That is the country for me!  That is what all civilized countries should be like!”