CHAPTER XXXVIII
THE EMPEROR SURPRISES HIS SUBJECTS BY HIS WISDOM
Pinocchio’s power grew greater and greater. The courage shown by him in the hand-to-hand fight with the hippopotamus had made a great impression on the ministers.
The grand council, for instance, had assembled the high court of justice, which was to try a large number of important cases. The very next morning the wise and brave Pinocchio was urged to pass judgment upon the cases to be presented that day.
Pinocchio thought of playing the usual trick upon his ministers by placing Marameho in his seat; but this was an important affair, and must be attended to in person.
“Dignitaries! chamberlains! ministers! royal judges! guards! To the court!”
The persons called came forward and knelt down to kiss the earth before his majesty; then, rising, they all moved on to the court of justice.