Pinocchio was very happy to be free. He ran out of the city quickly. He wanted to go back to the house of the lovely Fairy.
It had rained for many days while he was in prison, so the road was very muddy. Pinocchio’s legs sank deep into the mud as he walked.
But Pinocchio was brave and kept going. He ran as fast as a greyhound. He wanted to see his father and the Fairy.
Pinocchio talked to himself as he ran. He said he was a stubborn and stupid boy. He promised to change and listen to people who loved him.
He wondered if Geppetto was waiting for him. He wanted to find his father at the Fairy’s house. He hoped the Fairy would forgive him for his mistakes.
Suddenly, Pinocchio stopped. He was frozen with fear. An enormous Serpent lay across the road. It had green skin and red, glowing eyes.
Smoke came out of the end of its pointed tail. Pinocchio was very afraid. He ran back and sat on some stones to wait.
He waited for three hours. The Serpent did not move. Pinocchio could still see the smoke from its tail.
Pinocchio tried to be brave. He walked toward the Serpent. He asked the Serpent to move so he could pass.
The Serpent did not move or speak. Pinocchio spoke again. He said his father was waiting for him. Still, the Serpent was silent.
Then the Serpent became very still. Its eyes closed and the smoke stopped. Pinocchio thought the Serpent was dead.
Pinocchio tried to step over the Serpent. But the Serpent moved suddenly like a spring. Pinocchio fell backward into the mud.
Pinocchio’s head was stuck in the mud. His legs were straight up in the air. He kicked his legs and moved his body.
The Serpent watched Pinocchio and laughed very hard. It laughed so much that it died right there. Pinocchio pulled his head out of the mud.
He started to run again. He was very hungry. He saw some grapes in a field and jumped over the fence.
Suddenly, Pinocchio heard a loud crack. A metal trap closed on his legs. He was caught.