"Believe us, Pinocchio, today we are really poor and starving," said the fox. "Really," repeated the cat.
"If you are poor, you deserve it. Remember the proverb that says 'Stolen money will never bear fruit!' Goodby, deceivers!"
"Have compassion on us."
"On us," said the cat.
"Goodby. Remember the proverb that says, 'Stolen wheat always makes poor bread'."
"Do not abandon us," begged the fox.
"No, no!” cried the cat.
"Goodby. Remember the proverb, 'Whoever steals his neighbor's coat usually dies without a shirt'."
And Geppetto and Pinocchio went on their way. A few yards farther on they saw a little straw house with a tile roof. "That place must be lived in by someone," said Pinocchio, "Let us knock at the door."
"Who is there?" asked a small voice inside, when they had reached the house.
"We are a poor father and his son, and without bread or a home," replied the marionette.
