Pinocchio discovers the thieves and,as a reward for faithfulness, he regains his libertyEven though a boy may be very unhappy, he very seldomloses sleep over his worries. The Marionette, being noexception to this rule, slept on peacefully for a few hourstill well along toward midnight, when he was awakenedby strange whisperings and stealthy sounds coming fromthe yard. He stuck his nose out of the doghouse and sawfour slender, hairy animals. They were Weasels, smallanimals very fond of both eggs and chickens. One ofthem left her companions and, going to the door of the doghouse, said in a sweet voice:

　　"Good evening, Melampo.""My name is not Melampo," answered Pinocchio.

　　"Who are you, then?""I am Pinocchio.""What are you doing here?""I'm the watchdog.""But where is Melampo? Where is the old dogwho used to live in this house?""He died this morning.""Died? Poor beast! He was so good! Still, judgingby your face, I think you, too, are a good-natured dog.""I beg your pardon, I am not a dog!""What are you, then?""I am a Marionette.""Are you taking the place of the watchdog?""I'm sorry to say that I am. I'm being punished.""Well, I shall make the same terms with you that we had withthe dead Melampo. I am sure you will be glad to hear them.""And what are the terms?""This is our plan: We'll come once in a while, as inthe past, to pay a visit to this henhouse, and we'll takeaway eight chickens. Of these, seven are for us, and onefor you, provided, of course, that you will make believeyou are sleeping and will not bark for the Farmer.""Did Melampo really do that?" asked Pinocchio.

　　"Indeed he did, and because of that we were the best offriends. Sleep away peacefully, and remember that beforewe go we shall leave you a nice fat chicken all readyfor your breakfast in the morning. Is that understood?""Even too well," answered Pinocchio. And shakinghis head in a threatening manner, he seemed to say, "We'lltalk this over in a few minutes, my friends."As soon as the four Weasels had talked things over,they went straight to the chicken coop which stood closeto the doghouse. Digging busily with teeth and claws,they opened the little door and slipped in. But they wereno sooner in than they heard the door close with a sharp bang.

　　The one who had done the trick was Pin............