Part 11 (2/2)

34. An Old Story

THE grand chamberlain was announced.

This grave person had come to inquire about his majesty's health, and at the same time to notify him that the council had fixed the day for the coronation.

Pinocchio the First listened and approved. The grand chamberlain, very much pleased with his reception, made a deep bow, and was apparently about to retire, when, as if he had forgotten something important, he approached the emperor again and said with great respect, ”Your majesty, in the name of the council I must announce to you that to-morrow the lessons begin.”

”What lessons?” said the marionette, feeling a chill creep down his back.

”Ah! I will explain,” the chamberlain replied meekly. ”The things that your majesty must do to straighten out the affairs of state are very simple. Only two words are needed, 'Yes' and 'No!' But to say 'Yes' or 'No' at the proper time requires at least one month of instruction. To make sure that you learn, there will be, twice each day, a punishment of ten lashes of the whip, to be given your majesty on whatever part of the body you may desire. However, in view of the present wisdom of your majesty, the council has agreed that the lessons and the las.h.i.+ngs may be delayed till the end of the month, if your majesty so decides.”

Pinocchio had listened gloomily until he heard the last words, and then he came near laughing outright. He kept his face very serious, however, and bowed his head as if in deep thought. After a long silence he said, ”I have decided to leave the lessons till the end of the month.”

The grand chamberlain made a profound bow and went out.

The servants went away also, and Pinocchio, finding himself alone, jumped about in great glee.

”Compulsory fiddlesticks! What blockheads they were to think that I was going to start to-day! At the end of the month, perhaps! There are still thirty days, and in thirty days what may not happen!” And he looked about quite satisfied with himself. He was sure that everything would go well during his stay in Africa.

”If they sprinkled my hair with gold, they will fill my pockets with money,” he thought. And then to his surprise he found that the suit they had put on him had no pockets.

”I shall make pockets as soon as I have time,” he said, and striking the pan, ordered the servants to bring in his breakfast.

35. His Duties As Emperor

PINOCCHIO was served with a piece of elephant's nose, cooked in a highly seasoned sauce. How he twisted his face and ground his teeth!

Evidently the meal was not to his liking. He would have preferred some fish, some grapes, and a dozen figs, but he was ashamed to ask for these dainties. He gulped down the food as best he could, and drank from a gourd a great deal of water; then he felt more comfortable.

His ministers had been waiting some time, and Pinocchio did not think it wise to prolong his first meal. With a truly stately stride he entered the audience chamber.

Pinocchio the First, Emperor and King of all Africa, felt it to be his first duty to express his grat.i.tude for the magnificent reception that had been given to him. The ministers made an equally polite response.

Persons of rank now came to pay homage to the new king. Among them were great chiefs of tribes, princes, and kings of the neighboring states. Pinocchio received them all with much pomp. This sort of thing was at first very pleasing to him. But day after day the visitors and the feasts continued. As Pinocchio was the host, he had to eat with all these newcomers. He became very stout, and his jaws ached from so much chewing. Eating was becoming a burden to him. He even longed for the days when he had gone hungry. However, one must take things as they come and be ready to suffer for the good of one's country.

One day there came to the court three kings, the most powerful within a range of a thousand miles. The first was clad in a white skirt, and a military coat which he had bought from an English captain.

He came with his head uncovered and a high hat in his hand. The second wore an old helmet on the back of his head. The third carried a clumsy sword in one hand and in the other a broken umbrella.

They bowed to the ground very respectfully, and then each in turn slapped Pinocchio in the face.

The marionette, who did not expect this sort of greeting, was about to express his anger, when the master of ceremonies whispered in his ear that such a greeting was given only to great people.

”When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” thought Pinocchio, and he smiled at the visitors.

Dinner was then announced. Pinocchio felt sick at the thought of eating again. It was the fifth time that day, and the sun was still high in the sky, but of course it was not proper to dismiss three kings without having feasted them.

<script>