violently from his hands, fell and struck the shins of poor Geppetto.
"Ah, is that the polite way you make presents? Really Master Antonio, you have all but lamed me for life."
"I swear to you that I did not do it."
“But it certainly was you who threw the stick at me, Master Antonio."
"I did not hit you. The wood is entirely to blame."
"I know the wood hit me but it was in your hand."
"No, no, it was not."
But nothing could settle the question short of a battle, and for a few moments the two fought valiantly. When Master Antonio had two scratches on his nose, and Geppetto had lost two buttons from his coat, the account was called squared. The two shook hands and vowed to remain good friends for the rest of their lives, whereupon Geppetto took the piece of wood under his arm and, thanking Master Antonio for his courtesy, limped back to his home.
