“Another time will be too late,” said the Fox.
“Why?”
“Because that field has been bought by a rich man, and after to-morrow no one will be permitted to sow there any more.”
“How far is the Field of Miracles from here?”
“Hardly two miles. Will you come with us? In half an hour we shall be there. You can sow the money quickly, and after a few moments you can return home with your pockets full. Will you come with us?”
Pinocchio hesitated a little because he thought of the good Fairy, of old Geppetto, and of the advice of the Talking Cricket; but, after the fashion of foolish, heartless boys, he finally yielded. With a shake of his head he said to the Fox and the Cat, “Come on, I will go with you.” And they started.
After having walked half a day they arrived at a city called Stupid-catchers. As soon as they entered the city Pinocchio saw all the streets full of sick dogs that gaped for food; clipped sheep that shook from the cold; featherless chickens that begged for alms; big butterflies that could not fly any more because they had sold their beautiful colors for a few pennies and were ashamed to be seen; and pheasants that limped, bewailing their brilliant gold and silver feathers now lost forever.
