"Look at me" said the fox, “because of my passion for studying, I have lost the use of my leg."
"Look at me” cried the cat, "Because of my love of study I have lost both my eyes."
Just at that moment a blackbird flew near them and sang shrilly.
"Pinocchio, do not listen to the counsel of bad companions. If you do you will be sorry."
Poor blackbird. Hardly had be finished before the cat gave a spring and caught him, and without giving him time to say "Oh" she had eaten him up, feathers and all. Then she licked her whiskers, closed her eyes, and again pretended blindness.
"Poor blackbird," said Pinocchio, "Why did you treat him so badly?"
"I did it to teach him a lesson. Another time he will know enough not to meddle in other people's business."
They walked along together for a while, and then, stopping suddenly, the fox said to the marionette, "How would you like to double your money?”
"What do you mean?"
