Little Tony of Italy

by Madeline Brandeis

So Tony wriggled. He snorted. He sneezed.

Anna saw. She heard. She started and gave a little cry. Tony's head came out of the tent like a turtle's head coming out of its shell.

"HUSH," SAID TONY

"Hush!" said Tony.

Anna drew back. "Who are you?" she gasped.

"I'm Tony," he replied. "Please let me stay here with Tina tonight. Tomorrow I'll go away."

Then Anna recognized him. "Oh," she exclaimed. "You are that naughty Marionette boy who told a lie! I am going to call my father!"

She turned toward the house but Tony quickly caught her arm.

"No, no!" he pleaded. "I mean no harm. I love the little dog. Let me stay. Only one night. Do not tell your father—please!"