“Perhaps. We shall see.”
It seemed as if the island had heard Pinocchio speak. Strange to say, it was coming to meet the dolphin and his friend. And with it were two others.
“Look! look!” shouted Pinocchio. “The islands at the pole walk! This is fun!”
“Yes, they are taking a walk, as you see,” answered Marsovino, who was enjoying himself, too. “But if they come nearer, our journey will end right here.”
He had not finished speaking when a terrific noise was heard. The sound was deafening. Pinocchio found himself thrown from his horse into the water. When he opened his eyes—he always closed them when he was frightened—no islands were to be seen.
“Marsovino! Marsovino! Help! Help!” he cried, fearing he had lost his friend.
“Here I am! Come!”
Swiftly the marionette swam to the dolphin, and again climbed on his back.
“Will you please tell me what happened to those islands? Or are we in fairyland? I never knew lands could disappear in a minute like that!”