“The electric eel! You poor boy! How you must suffer!”
“Luckily the eel was asleep, so I had no great shock.”
“Yes, luckily. When it is asleep, it does not hurt much.”
“But how did you ever get near him?”
“Why, Pinocchio—” and then he stopped. Why should he tell? But he was too late.
“Oh, that Pinocchio. Well, remember, marionette, usually one gets paid in his own coin. Now you look tired. Stop stretching yourself and go to sleep.”
“Very well, Mr. Tursio,” came meekly from Pinocchio. “But may I ask a favor of you?”
“What is it?”
“Seeing that we are near the island, may I sleep there to-night? I found a small cave there this morning, and it looked comfortable. May I, Mr. Tursio?”
“Why, surely, my boy.”