The whole caravan looked toward the spot. A group of children gathered about them. Even the camels lifted their heads to see what was the matter.
The mother was distressed because the child’s screams and kicks continued. She asked Pinocchio to let it touch his nose. His pride was hurt, but thinking it best to humor the child, he went closer and allowed his nose to be touched and squeezed and pulled until the baby was perfectly happy and satisfied. The good woman laughed, and thanked Pinocchio by offering him some bread and milk.
Pinocchio buried his face in the milk and ate the bread. There was no doubt of his hunger. The others offered him fruit and cake. He was pleased. Africa, after all, was a country where one could live. His hunger satisfied, he did what marionettes usually do,—talked about himself. In a short time all the people knew who he was and why he had come to Africa. The old man with the pipe asked him, “Who told you that here in Africa there is so much gold?”
“Who told me? He who knows told me!”
“But are you sure that he did not wish to deceive you?”
“Deceive me?” replied the marionette, “My dear sire, to deceive me one must have a good—” and he touched his forehead with his forefinger as much as to say that within lay a great brain. “Before leaving home I studied so much that the teacher feared I should ruin my health.”
“Very well,” replied the old man, “let us travel together, for we also are in search of gold and precious stones.”
Pinocchio’s heart beat fast with hope. At last there was some one to help him in his search. He could scarcely control himself enough to say: “Willingly, most willingly! I have no objections. Suit yourselves.”