The narrative follows a puppet named Pinocchio, who is tasked with guarding a poultry yard. One night, he encounters a group of polecats, who attempt to persuade him to allow them to steal chickens in exchange for a share of their spoils. Pinocchio, however, refuses to comply with their dishonest proposal. Instead, he cleverly traps the polecats by shutting the gate behind them and barking like a watchdog to alert the peasant. The peasant, upon hearing the commotion, rushes to the poultry yard and captures the polecats, planning to hand them over to an innkeeper for punishment. He expresses gratitude to Pinocchio for his vigilance, contrasting it with the previous watchdog, Melampo, who had never detected the thieves. Pinocchio chooses not to speak ill of the deceased dog, believing it better to leave the past undisturbed. The peasant praises Pinocchio's integrity and, as a reward for his bravery, releases him from his duties, allowing him to return home. This encounter highlights themes of loyalty, integrity, and the consequences of dishonesty, showcasing Pinocchio's growth as a character who values honesty over self-interest.
By Carlo Collodi · First published 1881 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure