But the most extraordinary thing was this: the twelve pairs, that is, the twenty-four donkeys, instead of being shod like other beasts of burden, had on their feet men's boots made of white kid. And the coachman? Picture to yourself a little man broader than he was long, flabby and greasy like a lump of butter, with a small round face like an orange, a little mouth that was always laughing, and a soft, caressing voice like a cat when she is trying to insinuate herself into the good graces of the mistress of the house. All the boys vied with each other in taking places in his coach, to be conducted to the "Land of Boobies." The coach was, in fact, quite full of boys between eight and fourteen years old, heaped one upon another like herrings in a barrel. They were uncomfortable, packed closely together and could hardly breathe; but nobody said "Oh!"--nobody grumbled. The consolation of knowing that in a few hours they would reach a country where there were no books, no schools, and no masters, made them so happy and resigned that they felt neither fatigue nor inconvenience, neither hunger, nor thirst, nor want of sleep. As soon as the coach had drawn up the little man turned to Candlewick and with a thousand smirks and grimaces said to him, smiling: "Tell me, my fine boy, would you also like to go to that fortunate country?" "I certainly wish to go." "But I must warn you, my dear child, that there is not a place left in the coach. You can see for yourself that it is quite full." "No matter," replied Candlewick, "if there is no place inside, I will manage to sit on the springs." And, giving a leap, he seated himself astride on the springs. "And you, my love!" said the little man, turning in a flattering manner to Pinocchio, "what do you intend to do? Are you coming with us or are you going to remain behind?" "I remain behind," answered Pinocchio. "I am going home. I intend to study, as all well conducted boys do." "Much good may it do you!" "Pinocchio!" called out Candlewick, "listen to me: come with us and we shall have such fun." "No, no, no!" "Come with us and we shall have such fun," shouted in chorus a hundred voices from the inside of the coach. "But if I come with you, what will my good Fairy say?" said the puppet, who was beginning to yield. "Do not trouble your head with melancholy thoughts. Consider only that we are going to a country where we shall be at liberty to run riot from morning till night." Pinocchio did not answer, but he sighed; he sighed again; he sighed for the third time, and he said finally: "Make a little room for me, for I am coming, too." "The places are all full," replied the little man; "but, to show you how welcome you are, you shall have my seat on the box." "And you?" "Oh, I will go on foot." "No, indeed, I could not allow that. I would rather mount one of these donkeys," cried Pinocchio.