Part 13 (2/2)
”And I stop here.”
”You'll get caught in a blizzard and buried in snow and will be frozen hard like Neapolitan ice-cream.”
”But ... I'm hungry.”
”You have eaten two rations of bread, a box of conserved beef, nearly half a pound of chocolate ...”
”Is it my fault if the air of these mountains makes me as hungry as a wolf? You should have told me before we left. Now I know why you are always saying that you would like to eat so many Austrians. But if you think I can get used to the same diet you are much mistaken.”
”Are you coming or aren't you?”
”Is it much farther?”
”Do you see that cloud up there?”
”I defy any one not to see it.”
”When that is pa.s.sed there is a crack in the mountain called s.p.a.ccata; we must cross that and we are there--at least if they haven't gone on ahead.”
”In the clouds? Really in the clouds?”
”Certainly.”
”Listen, Captain, do I really seem to you as much of a fool as that?”
”Just now, yes.”
”Thanks, but you can go in the clouds by yourself; I'll turn back and bid you farewell.”
He tried to make one of his usual pirouettes to turn around, but the snow slipped under his feet and he fell, sitting down, and, sliding on the white surface, was precipitated down the slope of the mountain with terrifying speed.
[Ill.u.s.tration]
”Help! Help!”
”Stick your staff in! Stick your staff in!” yelled Teschisso, who already believed him lost.
He had need to yell. Pinocchio was flying along like a little steamer under forced draught and couldn't hear anything, I a.s.sure you.
Suddenly he stopped as if he were nailed to the snow. That was to be expected, you say, with that air of superior beings you a.s.sume every now and then. I know--but I can tell you Pinocchio didn't expect it, nor even Teschisso, who was leaping down to help his little friend.
”Are you hurt?”
”No.”
”Do you feel ill?”
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