Pinocchio ran at once, and climbing like a squirrel up the showman's beard he deposited a hearty kiss on the point of his nose.
"Then the pardon is granted?" asked poor Harlequin in a faint voice that was scarcely audible.
"The pardon is granted!" answered Fire-eater. He then added, sighing and shaking his head:
"I must have patience! To-night I shall have to resign myself to eat the mutton half raw; but another time, woe to him who chances!"
At the news of the pardon all the puppets ran to the stage, and having lighted the lamps and chandeliers as if for a full-dress performance, they began to leap and to dance merrily. At dawn they were still dancing.
VI
THE SHOWMAN BECOMES GENEROUS
The following day Fire-eater called Pinocchio to one side and asked him:
"What is your father's name?"
"Geppetto."