the morning, and the last to leave when school was over.

Pinocchio's only fault was that he had too many friends. Among these
were many well-known rascals, who cared not a jot for study or for
success.

The teacher warned him each day, and even the good Fairy repeated to him
many times:

"Take care, Pinocchio! Those bad companions will sooner or later make
you lose your love for study. Some day they will lead you astray."

"There's no such danger," answered the Marionette, shrugging his
shoulders and pointing to his forehead as if to say, "I'm too wise."

So it happened that one day, as he was walking to school, he met some
boys who ran up to him and said:

"Have you heard the news?"

"No!"

"A Shark as big as a mountain has been seen near the shore."

"Really? I wonder if it could be the same one I heard of when my father
was drowned?"

"We are going to see it. Are you coming?"

"No, not I. I must go to school."