Page:Pinocchio;the story of a puppet, (IA pinocchiothestor00coll 1).pdf/70

Pinocchio Threw Himself at the Feet of the Manager

"Don't call me Sir," roared Fire Eater.

"Pity, Mr. Cavalier!"

"Don't call me Mr. Cavalier," he said less severely.

"Pity, Mr. Commander."

"Don't call me Commander."

"Pity, pity, your Excellency.”

On hearing himself called Excellency the manager began to smile, and became more human and tractable. He said to Pinocchio, almost pleasantly:

"Well, well, what do you want?"

"I ask you to spare poor Harlequin."

"Impossible. I have spared you, but I must put someone on the fire, for I am determined to have my meat well cooked."

"In that case" said Pinocchio proudly, straightening himself, and throwing aside his cap of bread crumbs, "In that case I know my duty. Come gendarmes, bind me and