From their absurd answers and silly laughter Pinocchio perceived that his companions had been making a fool of him, in inducing him to believe a tale with no truth in it. Taking it very badly, he said to them angrily:
"And now, may I ask what fun you could find in deceiving me with the story of the Dog-Fish?"
"Oh, it was great fun!" answered the little rascals in chorus.
"And in what did it consist?"
"In making you miss school and persuading you to come with us. Are you not ashamed of being always so punctual and so diligent with your lessons? Are you not ashamed of studying so hard?"
"And if I study hard, what concern is it of yours?"
"It concerns us excessively, because it makes us appear in a bad light to the master."
"Why?"
"Because boys who study make those who, like us, have no wish to learn, seem worse by comparison. And that is too bad. We, too, have our pride!"
"Then what must I do to please you?"