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48
ADVENTURES OF PINOCCHIO
Pinocchio ran at once, and climbing like a squirrel up the showman's beard he deposited a hearty kiss on the point of his nose.
'Then the pardon is granted?' asked poor Harlequin in a faint voice that was scarcely audible.
'The pardon is granted!' answered Fireeater: he then added, sighing and shaking his head:
'I must have patience! To-night I shall have to resign myself to eat the mutton half raw; but another time, woe to him who chances! . . .'
At the news of the pardon the puppets all ran to the stage, and having lighted the lamps and chandeliers as if for a full-dress performance, they began to leap and to dance merrily. At dawn they were still dancing.
