The dog recognized the voice of Pinocchio, and to his surprise found that it came from the floury bundle that the fisherman held in his hand. So what did he do but make a great leap, catch the white bundle, and holding it gently between his teeth run out of the cave like a shot. The fisherman, furious at losing his rare fish, tried to catch him, but found it impossible and had to content himself with those that were left. In the meantime, Alidoro, reaching the road that led back to the village, stopped and carefully placed Pinocchio on the ground.
"How can I thank you?" cried the marionette.
"It is not necessary," said the dog. "You have saved me, and now I have saved you. In this world, you know, we must all help one another."
"But how did you find the cave?"
"After you left me I was lying on the shore exhausted, when the wind brought me the odor of fried fish. That gave me an appetite, and I followed up the delicious smell. If I had been a minute later—”
