Chapter 2

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.

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!