ightful, but--

Unfortunately in the lives of puppets there is always a "but" that
spoils everything.

[Illustration]

CHAPTER XXX

THE "LAND OF BOOBIES"

Pinocchio, as was natural, asked the Fairy's permission to go round the
town to give out the invitations, and the Fairy said to him:

"Go, if you like, and invite your companions for the breakfast tomorrow,
but remember to return home before dark. Have you understood?"

"I promise to be back in an hour," answered the puppet.

"Take care, Pinocchio! Boys are always very ready to promise, but
generally they are little given to keep their word."

"But I am not like other boys. When I say a thing, I do it."

"We shall see. If you are disobedient, so much the worse for you."

"Why?"

"Because boys who do not listen to the advice of those who know more
than they do always meet with some misfortune or other."

"I have experienced that," said Pinocchio, "but I shall never make that
mistake again."

"We shall see if that is true."

Without saying more the puppet took leave of his good Fairy, who was
like a mamma to him, and went out of the house singing and dancing.

In less than an hour all his friends were invited. Some accepted at once
heartily; others at first required pressing; but when they heard that
the rolls to be eaten with the coffee were to be buttered on both sides
they ended by saying:

"We will come also, to do you a pleasure."

Now I must tell you that amongst Pinocchio's friends and school-fellows
there was one that he greatly preferred and was very fond of. This boy's
name was Romeo, but he always went by the nickname of Candlewick,
because he was so thin, straight and bright, like the new wick of a
little nightlight.

Candlewick was the laziest and the naughtiest boy in the school, but
Pinocchio was devoted to him. He had indeed gone at once to his house to
invite him to the breakfast, but he had not found him. He returned a
second time, but Candlewick was not there. He went a third time, but it
was in vain. Where could he search for him? He looked here, there, and
everywhere, and at last he saw him hiding on the porch of a peasant's
cottage.

"What are you doing there?" asked Pinocchio, coming up to him.

"I am waiting for midnight, to start away."

"And where are you going?"

"I am going to live in a country--the most delightful country in the
world: a real land of sweetmeats!"

"And what is it called?"

"It is cal