'I have no Spelling-book.'
'You are right: but what shall we do to get one?'
'It is quite easy. We have only to go to the bookseller's and buy it.'
'And the money?'
'I have got none.'
'No more have I,' added the good old man very sadly.
And Pinocchio, although he was a very merry boy, became sad also; because poverty when it is real poverty is understood by everybody—even by boys.
'Well, patience!' exclaimed Geppetto, all at once rising to his feet, and putting on his old fustian coat, all patched and darned, he ran out of the house.
He returned shortly, holding in his hand a Spelling-book for Pinocchio, but the old coat was gone. The poor man was in his shirt sleeves, and out of doors it was snowing.
'And the coat, papa?'
'I have sold it.'
'Why did you sell it?'
'Because I found it too hot.'
Pinocchio understood this answer in an instant, and unable to restrain the impulse of his good heart he sprang up, and throwing his arms round Geppetto's neck he began kissing him again and again.
