“The ink is the means of defense of these mollusks. When pursued or in danger, this animal ejects this inky liquid. In that way, it forms a cloud in the water and is able to escape.”
“Shall I be killed?”
“If you keep out of reach of its long arms, you will be all right.”
“Oh, now I see what got hold of my poor nose. It is aching yet. Now tell me, Marsovino, if this animal is guarding the treasure, how shall I possibly get at it? We might as well give it up,” and Pinocchio started towards the stairs.
“How very courageous you are! After trying so hard, are you going to give up at the last minute?”
Pinocchio did not answer, but very slowly he retraced his steps. Going over to the bunks, he took a large mattress. Holding it in front of him, he moved toward the door, which was still ajar.
The water from the captain’s room had mixed with the water of the large room, and now it was not so dark. Very cautiously, the marionette peeked over the mattress.
In a corner of the room lay the poulpe or octopus. As Marsovino had said, it was not very large. Still it was very ugly.
Think of a large head, soft and jellylike, with two great eyes staring at you. Think of that head and eight long thick arms around it. No wonder Pinocchio felt like turning back.