"I am teaching the ants their A B C's."
"A great deal of good that will do you."
"Maybe" answered Antonio, "but what has brought you to me, neighbor Geppetto?"
"My legs. But to be frank, I have come to ask a favor of you."
"Here I am, ready to serve you,” replied the woodcutter, getting up on his knees.
"Well, this morning I had an idea."
"Indeed! Let me hear it Geppetto."
"I thought that I would make a pretty wooden puppet. I mean a really wonderful marionette; one that can dance, walk and jump. With it I could travel through the world and earn my bread as I went."
"But how can I help you in that matter, neighbor Geppetto?"
"I want a piece of wood to make the marionette. Will you give me one?”
Gladly, Master Antonio took up the piece of wood that had frightened him so. But just as he was about to hand it to Geppetto, the piece of wood gave a shake, and wriggling
