CHAPTER 2.
Mastro Cherry gives the piece of wood to his friend Geppetto, who takes it to make himself a Marionette that will dance, fence, and turn somersaults.
In that very instant, a loud knock sounded on the door.

"Come in," said the carpenter, not having an atom of strength left with which to stand up.
At the words, the door opened and a dapper little old man came in.
His name was Geppetto, but to the boys of the neighborhood he was Polendina,* on account of the wig he always wore which was just the color of yellow corn.
* Cornmeal mush Geppetto had a very bad temper.

Woe to the one who called him Polendina! He became as wild as a beast and no one could soothe him.
"Good day, Mastro Antonio," said Geppetto.

"What are you doing on the floor ?" "I am teaching the ants their A B C's." "Good luck to you!" "What brought you here, friend Geppetto ?" "My legs.

And it may flatter you to know, Mastro Antonio, that I have come to you to beg for a favor." "Here I am, at your service," answered the carpenter, raising himself on to his knees.
"This morning a fine idea came to me." "Let's hear it." "I thought of making myself a beautiful wooden Marionette.