“My legs. Do you know, Master Antonio, that I have come to ask a favor of you?”
“Here I am, prompt to serve you!” replied the woodcutter, raising himself on his knees.
“This morning I had an idea.”
“Let me hear it.”
“I thought that I would make a pretty wooden marionette; I mean a wonderful marionette, one that can dance, walk, and jump. With this marionette I wish to travel through the world and earn for myself a little bread. What do you think of it?”
“Very good, Corn Meal!” cried the same little hidden voice.
On hearing himself called Corn Meal brother Geppetto became as red as a pepper with rage, and turning toward the woodcutter, said to him furiously, “Why do you offend me?”
“Who has offended you?”
“You have called me Corn Meal.”
“I did not.”
“I say you did.”
“No.”
“Yes.”
“No.”
“Yes.”
And becoming more angry, they finally came to blows. They scratched, bit, and rumpled each
