At this moment there was a knock at the door. "Come in," said the woodcutter, without having strength enough to arise.

Then a lively old man called Geppetto entered the room.

"Good morning, Master Antonio," said Geppetto. "What are you doing on the ground?"

"I am teaching the ants their A B Cs. What has brought you here, brother Geppetto?"

"I have come to ask a favor of you, Master Antonio."

"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 then, brother Geppetto, can I do for you?"

"I should like a piece of wood to make a marionette. Will you give it to me?"

Master Antonio gladly took up the piece of wood that had frightened him so. But when he was about to hand it to Geppetto the piece of wood gave a spring, and, slipping violently from his hands, fell and struck the shins of poor Geppetto.

"Ah! you are very polite when you give presents! Truly, Master Antonio, you have nearly lamed me."

"I swear to you that I did not do it."

"Surely it was you who threw the piece of wood at my legs."

"I did not throw it. The fault is all in this wood."

"Truly?"

"Truly!"

Upon that Geppetto took the piece of wood in his arms and, thanking Master Antonio, went home. limping all the way.