hood. They soon arrived, one after another, a Crow, an Owl, and a Talking Cricket.
"I should like to have you tell me, gentlemen," said the Fairy, turning to the three doctors who were assembled around the bed of Pinocchio, "whether this poor marionette is dead or alive."
At this question the Crow stepped forward and tested the patient's pulse, tweaked his nose and pinched his toes. When he had thus examined him thoroughly he pronounced these words solemnly: "It is my belief that the puppet is quite dead, but if by chance he should not be dead then it would be a sure sign that he is alive."
"It pains me," said the Owl, "to have to contradict the Crow, my illustrious friend and colleague. In my opinion, however, the marionette is still alive. But if through some chance or other he should not be alive, then it would be a sure sign that he is dead."
"And have you nothing to say?" said the Fairy to the Talking Cricket.
"I say that a prudent doctor should be quiet when he does not know what to say. Besides, this marionette's face is familiar to
