'Then where is Melampo? Where is the old dog who lived in this kennel?'
'He died this morning.'
'Is he dead? Poor beast! He was so good. But judging you by your face I should say that you were also a good dog.'
'I beg your pardon, I am not a dog.'
'Not a dog? Then what are you?'
'I am a puppet.'
'And you are acting as watch-dog?'
'That is only too true—as a punishment.'
'Well, then, I will offer you the same conditions that we made with the deceased Melampo, and I am sure you will be satisfied with them.'
'What are these conditions?'
'One night in every week you are to permit us to visit this poultry-yard as we have hitherto done, and to carry off eight chickens. Of these chickens seven are to be eaten by us, and one we will give to you, on the express understanding, however, that you pretend to be asleep, and that it never enters your head to bark and to wake the peasant.'
'Did Melampo act in this manner?' asked Pinocchio.
'Certainly, and we were always on the best terms with him. Sleep quietly, and rest assured that before we go we will leave by the kennel a beautiful chicken ready plucked
