He reasons well, thought the marionette, but he did not move an eyelash, pretending to be all attention.

"I suppose it is the custom of the country," thought the marionette.

"My dear subjects, have you lost your senses?" thought the marionette.

"Thanks to my strong constitution." thought the marionette, "I am as good as new."

"They shot poisoned arrows at me!" thought the marionette.

"This is not so bad," thought the marionette.

"And long too," thought the marionette.

"What a thirst for water Africans have!" thought the marionette, as he remembered his companions of the circus.

"Fine cleaning!" thought the marionette.

"What is the matter with everybody?" thought the marionette, as he looked about, and saw one of the kings asleep on the ground beside him.