When he at last opened his eyes he found himself seated on
the floor.
His face was quite changed; even the end of his nose, instead of being
crimson, as it was nearly always, had become blue from fright.
II
GEPPETTO PLANS A WONDERFUL PUPPET
At that moment some one knocked at the door.
"Come in," said the carpenter, without having the strength to rise to
his feet.
A lively little old man immediately walked into the shop. His name was
Geppetto, but when the boys in the neighborhood wished to put him in
a passion they called him by the nickname of Polendina, because his
yellow wig greatly resembled a pudding made of Indian corn.
Geppetto was very fiery. Woe to him who called him Polendina! He
became furious, and there was no holding him.
"Good day, Master Antonio," said Geppetto; "what are you doing there
on the floor?"
"I am teaching the alphabet to the ants."
"Much good may that do you."
"What has brought you to me, neighbor Geppetto?"
"My legs. But to say the truth, Master Antonio, I am come to ask a
favor of you."
"Here I am ready to serve you," replied the carpenter getting on his
knees.
"This morning an idea came into my head."
"Let us hear it.
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