carried away by the impetus of his speed he too rushed into the water. The wretched dog did not know how to swim, but he began to make frantic gestures with his paws in order to save himself, but the more he struggled the deeper his head went under the water. When at last he rose to the surface again for a moment his eyes were full of tears and he barked piteously, "Save me! I am drowning."
"Drown!" shouted Pinocchio from a distance, seeing that he was out of danger now.
"Help me, Pinocchio! Save me!"
At that pitiful cry the marionette, who really had a kind heart, was moved with compassion, and starting toward the dog he said, "But if I save you, will you promise that you will not run after me or bother me any more?"
"I promise, but be quick, or I shall drown in a moment more."
Pinocchio hesitated a second longer. Then remembering that his father had told him a good action is never forgotten he swam toward Alidoro, and taking him by the tail, pulled him out and landed him safe and
