again, and so quickly that Pinocchio observed nothing.

"And now," asked the Fox, "what are you going to do with all that
money?"

"First of all," answered the puppet, "I intend to buy a new coat for my
papa, made of gold and silver, and with diamond buttons; and then I will
buy a spelling-book for myself."

"For yourself?"

"Yes indeed, for I wish to go to school to study in earnest."

"Look at me!" said the Fox. "Through my foolish passion for study I have
lost a leg."

"Look at me!" said the Cat. "Through my foolish passion for study I have
lost the sight of both my eyes."

At that moment a white Blackbird, that was perched on the hedge by the
road, began his usual song, and said:

"Pinocchio, don't listen to the advice of bad companions; if you do you
will repent it!"

Poor Blackbird! If only he had not spoken! The Cat, with a great leap,
sprang upon him, and without even giving him time to say "Oh!" ate him
in a mouthful, feathers and all.

Having eaten him and cleaned her mouth she shut her eyes again and