Encyclopedia of fairytale heroes: "The Journey of the Blue Arrow". Fairy Tale Journey of the Blue Arrow

Chapter I. SIGNORA WITHOUT FIVE MINUTES OF BARONESS

The fairy was an old lady, very well-bred and noble, almost a baroness.
“They call me,” she sometimes muttered to herself, “just a Fairy, and I don’t protest: you need to have condescension to the ignorant. But I am almost a baroness; decent people know this.
“Yes, Signora Baroness,” the maid assented.
“I’m not a 100% Baroness, but I don’t miss her so much. And the difference is almost imperceptible. Is not it?
“Invisible, Signora Baroness. And decent people do not notice her ...
It was just the first morning of the new year. All night long Fairy and her maid traveled on the rooftops, delivering gifts. Their dresses were covered with snow and icicles.
- Light the stove, - said the Fairy, - you need to dry your clothes. And put the broom in its place: now for a whole year you don't have to think about flying from roof to roof, and even with such a northerly wind.
The maid put the broom back in place, grumbling:
- A pretty little business - flying on a broom! This is in our time when airplanes were invented! I have already caught a cold because of this.
“Prepare me a glass of flower broth,” the Fairy ordered, putting on her glasses and sitting down in an old leather chair in front of the writing table.
“Just a minute, Baroness,” said the maid.
The fairy looked at her approvingly.
“She's a little lazy,” thought the Fairy, “but she knows the rules of good manners and knows how to behave with the lady of my circle. I will promise her to increase her salary. In fact, of course, I will not increase it, and so there is not enough money. "
I must say that the Fairy, for all her nobility, was rather stingy. Twice a year she promised the old maid to increase her wages, but she confined herself to only promises. The servant had long been tired of hearing only words, she wanted to hear the jingle of coins. Once she even had the courage to tell the Baroness about it. But the Fairy was very indignant:
- Coins and coins! - she said, sighing, - Ignorant people only think about money. And how bad it is that you not only think, but also talk about it! Apparently teaching you good manners is like feeding a donkey with sugar.
The fairy sighed and buried herself in her books.

- So, let's sum up the balance. Business this year is unimportant, money is not enough. Still, everyone wants to get good gifts from the Fairy, and when it comes to paying for them, everyone starts bargaining. Everyone is trying to borrow money, promising to pay later, as if the Fairy is some kind of sausage maker. However, today there is nothing to complain about: all the toys that were in the store have sold out, and now we will need to bring new ones from the warehouse.
She closed the book and began to print out the letters she found in her mailbox.
- I knew it! She said. “I run the risk of getting pneumonia by delivering my goods, and no thanks! This one did not want a wooden saber - give him a pistol! Does he know that a pistol costs a thousand lire more? Another, imagine, wanted to get an airplane! His father is the doorman of the courier of the secretary of a lottery employee, and he had only three hundred lire to buy a present. What could I give him for such a pittance?
The fairy threw the letters back into the drawer, took off her glasses and called:
"Teresa, is the broth ready?"
- Ready, ready, Signora Baroness.
And the old maid handed the Baroness a steaming glass.
- Did you pour a drop of rum in here?
- Two whole spoons!
- I would have had enough and one ... Now I understand why the bottle is almost empty. Just think, we bought it just four years ago!
Sipping a boiling drink in small sips and managing not to burn yourself, as only old ladies can do.

The fairy wandered through her little kingdom, carefully checking every corner of the kitchen, shop and small wooden ladder that led to the second floor, where there was a bedroom.
How sad the store looked with drawn curtains, empty windows and cabinets, piled up boxes of no toys, and heaps of brown paper!
- Prepare the keys to the warehouse and a candle, - said the fairy, - we need to bring new toys.
- But, Signora Baroness, do you want to work even today, on the day of your holiday? Do you think someone is coming to shop today? After all, New Year's Eve, Fairy's Night, has already passed ...
- Yes, but there are only three hundred and sixty-five days left until the next New Year's Eve.
I must tell you that Fairy's store remained open throughout the year and its windows were always lit. Thus, the children had enough time to take a liking to this or that toy, and the parents had time to make their calculations in order to be able to order it.
And besides, there are also birthdays, and everyone knows that children find these days very suitable for receiving gifts.
Now do you understand what the Fairy is doing from January 1st until the next New Year? She sits behind a shop window and looks at passers-by. She looks especially closely at the faces of the children. She immediately understands whether they like or dislike a new toy, and if she doesn’t like it, she takes it off the window and replaces it with another.
Oh, signors, something has now attacked me with doubt! It was like that when I was still little. Who knows if the Fairy now has this shop with a display case lined with toy trains, dolls, ragdogs, guns, pistols, figures of Indians and puppets!
I remember him, this Fairy shop. How many hours did I spend in front of this window, counting the toys! It took a long time to count them, and I never had time to count to the end, because I had to take the purchased milk home.

Chapter II. SHOWCASE FILLS

The warehouse was in the basement, which was a car; once under the store. The fairy and her maid had to go down and up the stairs twenty times to fill the cabinets and display cases with new toys.
Already on the third voyage, Teresa was tired.
“Signora,” she said, stopping in the middle of the stairs with a large bundle of dolls in her hands, “Signora Baroness, my heart is beating.
- This is good, my dear, this is very good, - answered the Fairy, - it would be worse if it no longer beat.
“My legs hurt, Signora Baroness.
- Leave them in the kitchen, let them rest, especially since you can't wear anything with your feet.
- Signora Baroness, I do not have enough air ...
- I did not steal it from you, my dear, I have enough of mine.
Indeed, it seemed that the Fairy never gets tired. Despite her advanced age, she jumped up the steps, as if dancing, as if springs were hidden under her heels. At the same time, she continued to count.
- These Indians bring me an income of two hundred lire each, perhaps even three hundred lire. Now the Indians are very much in vogue. Don't you think this electric train is just a miracle ?! I will call it Blue Arrow and I swear I’ll give up the trade if from tomorrow hundreds of childish eyes will not devour it from morning to night.
Indeed, it was a wonderful train, with two barriers, with a train station and a Chief Station Master, with a Machinist, and a Train Chief wearing glasses. After spending so many months in the warehouse, the electric train was covered with dust, but the Fairy wiped it thoroughly with a cloth, and the blue paint sparkled like the water of an alpine lake: the entire train, including the Station Master, the Train Master and the Engineer, was painted blue.

When the Fairy wiped the dust from the Machinist's eyes, he looked around and exclaimed:
- I can see at last! I have the impression that I was buried in a cave for several months. So when do we leave? I'm ready.
“Calm, calm,” interrupted the Train Master, wiping his glasses with a handkerchief. “The train won't move without my order.
“Count the stripes on your beret,” a third voice said, “and you will see who is in charge here.
The Train Master counted his stripes. He had four. Then he counted the Station Master's stripes - five. The Train Master sighed, hid his glasses and fell silent. The Stationmaster paced up and down the display case, waving the wand that gave the departure signal. In the square in front of the station, a regiment of tin riflemen with a brass band and the Colonel lined up. A whole artillery battery, led by the General, was located a little to the side.
Behind the station was a green plain and hills were scattered. On the plain around the chieftain, who was called the Silver Feather, the Indians camped. At the top of the mountain, the riding cowboys held their lasso ready.
Above the roof of the station, an airplane swayed suspended from the ceiling: The pilot leaned out of the cockpit and looked down. I must tell you that this Pilot was made in such a way that he could not get to his feet: he had no legs. It was the Sitting Pilot.
Next to the airplane was a red cage with a Canary named Yellow Canary. When the cage was slightly rocked, the Canary sang.
There were also dolls in the window, a Yellow Bear, a rag dog named Button, paints, the Constructor, a small theater with three Puppets, and a fast two-masted sailing ship. The Captain walked nervously on the captain's bridge of the sailing ship. Out of absent-mindedness, only half of his beard was glued to him, so he carefully hid the beardless half of his face so as not to look ugly.

The Stationmaster and the Half-Bearded Captain pretended not to notice each other, but perhaps one of them was already about to challenge the other to a duel in order to resolve the issue of supreme command in the window.
The dolls were divided into two groups: some sighed for the Station Master, others cast tender glances at the Half-Bearded Captain, and only one black doll with eyes whiter than milk looked only at the Sitting Pilot and at no one else.
As for the rag dog, he would love to wag his tail and jump for joy. But he could not show these signs of attention to all three, and he did not want to choose one, so as not to offend the other two. Therefore, he sat quietly and motionless, and he looked a little silly. His name was written in red letters on the collar: "Button". Maybe it was called that because it was as small as a button.
But then an event occurred that immediately made me forget both jealousy and rivalry. Just at that moment, the Fairy lifted the curtain, and the sun rushed into the window in a golden cascade, causing everyone to fear terrible, because no one had seen him before.
- One hundred thousand deaf whales! Snapped the Half-Bearded Captain. - What's happened?
- For help! For help! - the dolls screeched, hiding behind each other.
The general ordered to immediately turn the cannons towards the enemy in order to be ready to repel any attack. Only Silver Feather remained unperturbed. He took a long pipe from his mouth, which he did only in exceptional cases, and said:
- Do not be afraid toys. This is the Great Spirit - the Sun, everyone's friend. See how the whole square cheered up, rejoicing in his arrival.

They all looked at the display case. The square really sparkled under the sun's rays. The jets of the fountains seemed fiery. A gentle warmth penetrated through the dusty glass into the Fairy's shop.
- A thousand drunken whales! The Captain muttered again. “I’m a sea wolf, not a sunny one!
The dolls, chatting happily, immediately began to sunbathe.
However, the sun's rays could not penetrate into one corner of the shop window. The shadow fell just on the Machinist, and he became very angry:
- It had to happen so that I was in the shadows!
He peered out the window, and his keen eyes, accustomed to staring at the rails for hours on long journeys, met a pair of huge, wide-open eyes of a child.
It was possible to look into these eyes, as one looks into a house when there are no curtains on the windows. And looking into them. The machinist saw a great unchildish sadness.
Strange, thought the Blue Arrow Driver. - I have always heard that children are cheerful people. All they know is that they laugh and play from morning to evening. And this one seems to me sad, like an old man. What happened to him?"

The sad boy stared at the window for a long time. His eyes filled with tears. From time to time, tears rolled down the cheek and disappeared on the lips. Everyone in the window held their breath: no one had yet seen the eyes from which water would flow, and this surprised everyone very much.
- A thousand lame whales! - exclaimed the Captain. - I will record this event in the logbook!
Finally the boy wiped his eyes with the sleeve of his jacket, went to the store door, grabbed the handle and pushed the door.
A dull bell rang out, which seemed to be complaining, calling for help.

Chapter III. HALF-BONED CAPTAIN EXCITED

“Signora Baroness, someone has entered the store,” the maid said.
The fairy, who was combing her hair in her room, quickly went down the stairs, holding hairpins in her mouth and pinning her hair on the way.
- Whoever it is, why doesn't he close the door? She muttered. - I did not hear the call, but immediately felt a draft.
For the sake of solidity, she put on her glasses and entered the shop with small, slow steps, as a real signora should walk, especially if she is almost a baroness. But when she saw in front of her a poorly dressed boy, who was crumpling his blue beret in his hands, she realized that the ceremony was unnecessary.
- Well? What's the matter? - With all her appearance, the Fairy would like to say: "Speak quickly, I have no time."
- I ... Signora ... - whispered the boy.
Everyone froze in the window, but nothing was heard.
- What did he say? - whispered the Chief of the Train.
- Shh! - ordered the Chief of the Station. - Do not make noise!

- My boy! - exclaimed the Fairy, who felt that she was beginning to lose patience, as whenever she had to talk to people unaware of her noble titles. - My dear boy, I have very little time. Hurry up or leave me alone, and best of all write me a good letter.
“But, signora, I have already written to you,” the boy hastily whispered, fearing to lose courage.
- Oh, that's how! When?
- About a month ago.
- Let's see. What is your name?
- Monty Francesco.
- Address?
- Quardicciolo ...
“Um… Monty, Monti… Here, Francesco Monti. Indeed, twenty-three days ago you asked me for an electric train as a present. Why just a train? You could ask me for an airplane or an airship, or better yet, a whole air fleet!
“But I like the train, Signora Feya.
- Ah, my dear boy, do you like the train ?! Do you know that two days after your letter your mother came here ...
- Yes, I asked her to come. I asked her this: go to the Fairy, I have already written everything to her, and she is so kind that she will not refuse us.
- I'm not good or bad. I work, but I cannot work for free. Your mother didn't have the money to pay for the train. She wanted to leave me an old watch in exchange for the train. But I can't see them, this watch! Because they make time move faster. I also reminded her that she still has to pay me for the horse she took last year. And for the top, taken two years ago. Did you know about this?
No, the boy did not know that. Moms rarely share their troubles with their children.
“That's why you got nothing this year. Do you understand? Don't you think I'm right?
“Yes, signora, you're right,” Francesco muttered. “I just thought you forgot my address.
- No, on the contrary, I remember him very well. You see, I have it written down. And one of these days I will send my secretary to you to take money for last year's toys.
The old maid, who had listened to their conversation, upon hearing that they had named her secretary, nearly fainted and had to drink a glass of water to catch her breath.
- What an honor for me, Signora Baroness! She said to her mistress when the boy was gone.
- Well, I bury it! - Fairy muttered gruffly. - In the meantime, hang a sign on the door: "Closed until tomorrow" so that other annoying visitors do not come.
- Maybe lower the curtain?
- Yes, perhaps omit it. I see that there will be no good trade today.
The maid ran to obey orders. Francesco was still standing outside the store, his nose buried in the window, and he waited, not knowing why. The curtain came down and almost hit him on the head. Francesco buried his nose in the dusty curtain and sobbed.
In the window, these sobs had an extraordinary effect. One after another, the dolls also began to cry and cried so hard that the Captain could not stand it and swore:

- What monkeys! Have already learned to cry! - He spat on the deck and grinned: - A thousand slanting whales! Cry over the train! Yes, I would not trade my sailboat for all the trains of all the railways of the world.
Great Leader Silver Feather took the pipe out of his mouth, which he had to do every time he wanted to say something, and said:
- Captain Half-Beard does not tell the truth. He is very excited about the poor white child.
- What am I? Explain to me, please, what does “excited” mean?
- This means that one side of the face is crying, and the other is ashamed of it.
The captain chose not to turn, as his beardless half of his face was in fact crying.
- Shut up, you old rooster! He shouted. “Otherwise I’ll go downstairs and nibble you like a Christmas turkey!
And for a long time he continued to spew out curses, so colorful that the General, deciding that the war was about to begin, ordered the cannons to be loaded. But Silver Feather took the receiver in his mouth and fell silent, and then even dozed off sweetly. By the way, he always slept with a pipe in his mouth.

Chapter IV. STATION HEAD DOES NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO

The next day, Francesco returned, and his sad eyes were fixed on Blue Arrow again. He came both on the second day and on the third. Sometimes he stopped at the window for only a few minutes and then, without turning around, ran away. Sometimes I would stand in front of the window for long hours. His nose was pressed against the glass, and his fair forelock descended over his forehead. He looked affectionately at the other toys, but it was clear that his heart belonged to the wonderful train.
The Stationmaster, Trainmaster and Engineer were very proud of this and looked around with an important air, but no one took offense at them for this.

All the inhabitants of the shop window were in love with their Francesco. Other children came, who also looked at the toys for a long time, but the inhabitants of the window almost did not notice them. If Francesco didn't show up at the usual time. The Stationmaster paced nervously up and down the rails, casting anxious glances at his watch. The captain spewed curses. The sitting Pilot leaned out of the airplane, risking falling, and Silver Feather forgot to smoke, so that his pipe went out every minute, and he spent whole boxes of matches to re-light it.
And so all the days, all the months, the whole year.
The fairy received whole bundles of letters every day, which she carefully read, making notes and calculations. But now there were so many letters that it took half a day just to open the envelopes, and in the window they realized that the day of gifts - the New Year - was approaching.
Poor Francesco! Every day his face became more and more sad. Something had to be done for him. Everyone was waiting for the Blue Arrow Station Master to suggest something, suggest an idea. But he only took off and put on his beret with five stripes, or looked at the toes of his boots, as if he had seen them for the first time.

Chapter V. IDEA OF THE BUTTON

The idea - who would have thought - came from a rag dog - Poor Button. Nobody ever paid attention to him, because, firstly, it was difficult to understand what breed he was, and secondly, he was silent all the time like a fish. Button was timid and afraid to open his mouth. If any thought crossed his mind, he hesitated for a long time before communicating it to his friends. However, with whom could he speak? The dolls were too elegant lords to pay attention to a dog of god knows what breed. The lead soldiers would not have refused to talk to him, but the officers, of course, would not have allowed them to. In general, everyone had some reason not to notice the rag dog, and he was forced to remain silent. And do you know what came of it? He forgot how to bark ...
This time, too, when he opened his mouth to explain his brilliant idea to them, there was such a strange sound, intermediate between a cat's meow and a donkey's roar, that the whole shop window burst into laughter.
Only Silver Feather did not laugh, because reds never laugh. And when the others had finished laughing, he took the pipe out of his mouth and said:

- Signors, listen to everything that Button has to say. The dog always speaks little and thinks a lot. Who thinks a lot is a wise thing to say.

Hearing the compliment, Button blushed from head to tail, cleared his throat and finally explained his idea.
- This boy ... Francesco ... Do you think he will receive any present from the Fairy this year?
“I don’t think so,” the Stationmaster replied. “His mother never came here, and she doesn't write any more letters — I always keep a close eye on the mail.
- Well, - continued Button, - it seems to me, too, that Francesco will receive nothing. But I honestly wouldn't want to see any other boy.
“Me too,” the Yellow Bear muttered, scratching the back of his head.
“So are we,” said the three Puppets, who all spoke in unison.
“What do you say,” the dog continued, “if we surprise him?
- Ha ha ha, surprise! - the dolls laughed. - What is it?
“Shut up,” the Captain ordered. “Women should always keep quiet.
“I beg your pardon,” the Sitting Pilot shouted, “don’t make such a noise, otherwise you don’t hear anything above!” Let Button speak.
“We know his name,” Button said when silence was restored. - We know his address. Why don't we all go to him?
- To whom? One of the dolls asked.
- To Francesco.
Silence reigned for a moment, then a lively discussion unfolded: each shouted his own, not listening to what others were saying.
- But this is a riot! - exclaimed the General. “I just can't allow such a thing. I suggest you obey my orders!
- So what is next?
- Farther? Nothing! You need to be disciplined!
- And go where the Fairy takes us? Then Francesco will not receive anything this year either, because his name is recorded in the debt book ...
- A thousand whales! ..
“However,” the Stationmaster intervened, “we know the address, but we do not know the road.

- I thought about it, - Button whispered timidly, - I can find the way with my instinct.
“And I can read the earth,” said the Silver Feather. - I also speak, so that everyone can go to Francesco.
Now it was necessary not to chat, but to make a decision. Everyone looked in the direction of the General of Artillery.
For some time the General, scratching his chin, paced in front of his five cannons, lined up in battle, then said:
- Good. I will cover the movement with my troops. Frankly, I don't really like being under the command of the old Fairy either ...
- Urrah! - shouted the gunners.
The band of riflemen began to play a march capable of resurrecting the dead, and the Engineer turned on the whistle of the locomotive and hummed until everyone was almost deaf.
The hike was scheduled for the next New Year's Eve. At midnight, the Fairy had to come, as usual, to the store to fill her basket with toys ... But the showcase will be empty.
- Imagine what her face will be! - the Captain grinned, spitting on the deck of his sailing ship.
And the next evening ...

Chapter VI. NEXT EVENING

The first thing the toys had to do was decide how to get out of the store. Cutting through the curtain, as suggested by the Chief Engineer, turned out to be beyond their power. And the store door was locked with three locks.
“I thought about that too,” Button said.
Everyone looked with admiration at the little rag puppy who thought for a whole year without saying a single word.
- Do you remember the warehouse? Remember the pile of empty boxes in the corner? Well, I was there and found a hole in the wall. On the other side of the wall is a cellar with a ladder that leads to the street.
- And how do you know all this?
- We, dogs, have such a disadvantage - to poke our nose everywhere. Sometimes this flaw is useful.
“Very well,” the General objected sharply, “but I have no idea how you can lower the artillery down all these stairs into the warehouse. And the Blue Arrow? Have you ever seen a train going down stairs?
Silver Feather took the pipe out of his mouth. Everyone fell silent expectantly.
- White people always quarrel and forget the Sitting Pilot.
What do you mean by that, great leader?
Sitting Pilot to transport everyone in an airplane.
Indeed, this was the only way to go down to the warehouse. The seated Pilot liked the proposal:

Rodari Gianni

Traveling the Blue Arrow

Gianni Rodari

Traveling the Blue Arrow

SIGNORA WITHOUT FIVE MINUTES OF BARONESS

The fairy was an old lady, very well-bred and noble, almost a baroness.

They call me, ”she sometimes muttered to herself,“ just a Fairy, and I don’t protest: after all, you need to have condescension to the ignorant. But I am almost a baroness; decent people know this.

Yes, Signora Baroness, - the maid assented.

I’m not a 100% Baroness, but I don’t miss her so much. And the difference is almost imperceptible. Is not it?

Invisible, Signora Baroness. And decent people do not notice her ...

It was just the first morning of the new year. All night long Fairy and her maid traveled on the rooftops, delivering gifts. Their dresses were covered with snow and icicles.

Light the stove, - said the Fairy, - you need to dry your clothes. And put the broom in its place: now for a whole year you don't have to think about flying from roof to roof, and even with such a northerly wind.

The maid put the broom back in place, grumbling:

Nice little business - flying on a broom! This is the time when airplanes were invented! I have already caught a cold because of this.

Get me a glass of flower broth, ”the Fairy ordered, putting on her glasses and sitting down in an old leather chair in front of the writing table.

Just a minute, Baroness, ”said the maid.

The fairy looked at her approvingly.

"She's a little lazy," thought Fairy, "but she knows the rules of good manners and knows how to behave with the lady of my circle. I will promise her to increase her salary. In fact, of course, I will not increase her, and so there is not enough money." ...

I must say that the Fairy, for all her nobility, was rather stingy. Twice a year she promised the old maid to increase her wages, but she confined herself to only promises. The servant had long been tired of hearing only words, she wanted to hear the jingle of coins. Once she even had the courage to tell the Baroness about it. But the Fairy was very indignant:

Coins and coins! - she said, sighing, - Ignorant people only think about money. And how bad it is that you not only think, but also talk about it! Apparently teaching you good manners is like feeding a donkey with sugar.

The fairy sighed and buried herself in her books.

So let's sum up the balance. Business this year is unimportant, money is not enough. Still, everyone wants to get good gifts from the Fairy, and when it comes to paying for them, everyone starts bargaining. Everyone is trying to borrow money, promising to pay later, as if the Fairy is some kind of sausage maker. However, today there is nothing to complain about: all the toys that were in the store have sold out, and now we will need to bring new ones from the warehouse.

She closed the book and began to print out the letters she found in her mailbox.

I knew it! she said. “I run the risk of getting pneumonia by delivering my goods, and no thanks! This one did not want a wooden saber - give him a pistol! Does he know that a pistol costs a thousand lire more? Another, imagine, wanted to get an airplane! His father is the doorman of the courier of the secretary of a lottery employee, and he had only three hundred lire to buy a present. What could I give him for such a pittance?

The fairy threw the letters back into the drawer, took off her glasses and called:

Teresa, is the broth ready?

Ready, ready, Signora Baroness.

And the old maid handed the Baroness a steaming glass.

Did you pour a drop of rum in here?

Two whole spoons!

One would be enough for me ... Now I understand why the bottle is almost empty. Just think, we bought it just four years ago!

Sipping a boiling drink in small sips and managing not to burn yourself, as only old ladies can do. The fairy wandered through her little kingdom, carefully checking every corner of the kitchen, shop and small wooden ladder that led to the second floor, where there was a bedroom.

How sad the store looked with drawn curtains, empty windows and cabinets, piled up boxes of no toys, and heaps of brown paper!

Prepare the keys to the warehouse and a candle, - said the fairy, - we need to bring new toys.

But, Signora Baroness, do you want to work even today, on the day of your holiday? Do you think someone is coming to shop today? After all, New Year's Eve, Fairy's Night, has already passed ...

Yes, but there are only three hundred and sixty-five days left until next New Year's Eve.

I must tell you that Fairy's store remained open throughout the year and its windows were always lit. Thus, the children had enough time to take a liking to this or that toy, and the parents had time to make their calculations in order to be able to order it.

And besides, there are also birthdays, and everyone knows that children find these days very suitable for receiving gifts.

Now do you understand what the Fairy is doing from January 1st until the next New Year? She sits behind a shop window and looks at passers-by. She looks especially closely at the faces of the children. She immediately understands whether they like or dislike a new toy, and if she doesn’t like it, she takes it off the window and replaces it with another.

Oh, signors, something has now attacked me with doubt! It was like that when I was still little. Who knows if the Fairy now has this shop with a display case lined with toy trains, dolls, ragdogs, guns, pistols, figures of Indians and puppets!

I remember him, this Fairy shop. How many hours did I spend in front of this window, counting the toys! It took a long time to count them, and I never had time to count to the end, because I had to take the purchased milk home.

SHOWCASE FILLS

The warehouse was in the basement, which was a car; once under the store. The fairy and her maid had to go down and up the stairs twenty times to fill the cabinets and display cases with new toys.

Already on the third voyage, Teresa was tired.

Signora, - she said, stopping in the middle of the stairs with a large bundle of dolls in her hands, - Signora Baroness, my heart is beating.

This is good, my dear, this is very good, - answered the Fairy, - it would be worse if it no longer beat.

My legs hurt, Signora Baroness.

Leave them in the kitchen, let them rest, especially since you can't carry anything with your feet.

Signora Baroness, I don't have enough air ...

I did not steal it from you, my dear, I have enough of mine.

Indeed, it seemed that the Fairy never gets tired. Despite her advanced age, she jumped up the steps, as if dancing, as if springs were hidden under her heels. At the same time, she continued to count.

These Indians bring me an income of two hundred lire each, perhaps even three hundred lire. Now the Indians are very much in vogue. Don't you think this electric train is just a miracle ?! I will call it Blue Arrow and I swear I’ll give up the trade if from tomorrow hundreds of childish eyes will not devour it from morning to night.

Indeed, it was a wonderful train, with two barriers, with a train station and a Chief Station Master, with a Machinist, and a Train Chief wearing glasses. After spending so many months in the warehouse, the electric train was covered with dust, but the Fairy wiped it thoroughly with a cloth, and the blue paint sparkled like the water of an alpine lake: the entire train, including the Station Master, the Train Master and the Engineer, was painted blue.

When the Fairy wiped the dust from the Machinist's eyes, he looked around and exclaimed:

I can finally see! I have the impression that I was buried in a cave for several months. So when do we leave? I'm ready.

Calm, calm, - interrupted the Head of the Train, wiping his glasses with a handkerchief. “The train won't move without my order.

Count the stripes on your beret, ”came a third voice,“ and you will see who is in charge here.

The Train Master counted his stripes. He had four. Then he counted the Station Master's stripes - five. The Train Master sighed, hid his glasses and fell silent. The Stationmaster paced up and down the display case, waving the wand that gave the departure signal. In the square in front of the station, a regiment of tin riflemen with a brass band and the Colonel lined up. A whole artillery battery, led by the General, was located a little to the side.

Behind the station was a green plain and hills were scattered. On the plain around the chieftain, who was called the Silver Feather, the Indians camped. At the top of the mountain, the riding cowboys held their lasso ready.

Above the roof of the station, an airplane swayed suspended from the ceiling: The pilot leaned out of the cockpit and looked down. I must tell you that this Pilot was made in such a way that he could not get to his feet: he had no legs. It was the Sitting Pilot.

Page 1 of 8

Chapter 1. Signora Five Minutes Baroness

The fairy was an old lady, very well-bred and noble, almost a baroness.

“They call me,” she sometimes muttered to herself, “just a Fairy, and I don’t protest: you need to have condescension to the ignorant. But I am almost a baroness; decent people know this.

“Yes, Signora Baroness,” the maid assented.

“I’m not a 100% Baroness, but I don’t miss her so much. And the difference is almost imperceptible. Is not it?

“Invisible, Signora Baroness. And decent people do not notice her ...

It was just the first morning of the new year. All night long Fairy and her maid traveled on the rooftops, delivering gifts. Their dresses were covered with snow and icicles.

- Light the stove, - said the Fairy, - you need to dry your clothes. And put the broom in its place: now for a whole year you don't have to think about flying from roof to roof, and even with such a northerly wind.

The maid put the broom back in place, grumbling:

- A pretty little business - flying on a broom! This is in our time when airplanes were invented! I have already caught a cold because of this.

“Prepare me a glass of flower broth,” the Fairy ordered, putting on her glasses and sitting down in an old leather chair in front of the writing table.

“Just a minute, Baroness,” said the maid.

The fairy looked at her approvingly.

“She's a little lazy,” thought the Fairy, “but she knows the rules of good manners and knows how to behave with the lady of my circle. I will promise her to increase her salary. In fact, of course, I will not increase it, and so there is not enough money. "

- Coins and coins! - she said, sighing, - Ignorant people only think about money. And how bad it is that you not only think, but also talk about it! Apparently teaching you good manners is like feeding a donkey with sugar.

The fairy sighed and buried herself in her books.

She closed the book and began to print out the letters she found in her mailbox.

- I knew it! She said. “I run the risk of getting pneumonia by delivering my goods, and no thanks! This one did not want a wooden saber - give him a pistol! Does he know that a pistol costs a thousand lire more? Another, imagine, wanted to get an airplane! His father is the doorman of the courier of the secretary of a lottery employee, and he had only three hundred lire to buy a present. What could I give him for such a pittance?

The fairy threw the letters back into the drawer, took off her glasses and called:

"Teresa, is the broth ready?"

- Ready, ready, Signora Baroness.

And the old maid handed the Baroness a steaming glass.

- Did you pour a drop of rum in here?

- Two whole spoons!

- I would have had enough and one ... Now I understand why the bottle is almost empty. Just think, we bought it just four years ago!

Sipping a boiling drink in small sips and managing not to burn yourself, as only old ladies can do.

The fairy wandered through her little kingdom, carefully checking every corner of the kitchen, shop and small wooden ladder that led to the second floor, where there was a bedroom.

How sad the store looked with drawn curtains, empty windows and cabinets, piled up boxes of no toys, and heaps of brown paper!

- Prepare the keys to the warehouse and a candle, - said the fairy, - we need to bring new toys.

- But, Signora Baroness, do you want to work even today, on the day of your holiday? Do you think someone is coming to shop today? After all, New Year's Eve, Fairy's Night, has already passed ...

- Yes, but there are only three hundred and sixty-five days left until the next New Year's Eve.

And besides, there are also birthdays, and everyone knows that children find these days very suitable for receiving gifts.

Chapter II. SHOWCASE FILLS

The warehouse was in the basement, which was a car; once under the store. The fairy and her maid had to go down and up the stairs twenty times to fill the cabinets and display cases with new toys.

Already on the third voyage, Teresa was tired.

“Signora,” she said, stopping in the middle of the stairs with a large bundle of dolls in her hands, “Signora Baroness, my heart is beating.

- This is good, my dear, this is very good, - answered the Fairy, - it would be worse if it no longer beat.

“My legs hurt, Signora Baroness.

- Leave them in the kitchen, let them rest, especially since you can't wear anything with your feet.

- Signora Baroness, I do not have enough air ...

- I did not steal it from you, my dear, I have enough of mine.

- These Indians bring me an income of two hundred lire each, perhaps even three hundred lire. Now the Indians are very much in vogue. Don't you think this electric train is just a miracle ?! I will call it Blue Arrow and I swear I’ll give up the trade if from tomorrow hundreds of childish eyes will not devour it from morning to night.

When the Fairy wiped the dust from the Machinist's eyes, he looked around and exclaimed:

- I can see at last! I have the impression that I was buried in a cave for several months. So when do we leave? I'm ready.

“Calm, calm,” interrupted the Train Master, wiping his glasses with a handkerchief. “The train won't move without my order.

“Count the stripes on your beret,” a third voice said, “and you will see who is in charge here.

Next to the airplane was a red cage with a Canary named Yellow Canary. When the cage was slightly rocked, the Canary sang.

There were also dolls in the window, a Yellow Bear, a rag dog named Button, paints, the Constructor, a small theater with three Puppets, and a fast two-masted sailing ship. The Captain walked nervously on the captain's bridge of the sailing ship. Out of absent-mindedness, only half of his beard was glued to him, so he carefully hid the beardless half of his face so as not to look ugly.

The dolls were divided into two groups: some sighed for the Station Master, others cast tender glances at the Half-Bearded Captain, and only one black doll with eyes whiter than milk looked only at the Sitting Pilot and at no one else.

As for the rag dog, he would love to wag his tail and jump for joy. But he could not show these signs of attention to all three, and he did not want to choose one, so as not to offend the other two. Therefore, he sat quietly and motionless, and he looked a little silly. His name was written in red letters on the collar: "Button". Maybe it was called that because it was as small as a button.

But then an event occurred that immediately made me forget both jealousy and rivalry. Just at that moment, the Fairy lifted the curtain, and the sun rushed into the window in a golden cascade, causing everyone to fear terrible, because no one had seen him before.

- One hundred thousand deaf whales! Snapped the Half-Bearded Captain. - What's happened?

- For help! For help! - the dolls screeched, hiding behind each other.

The general ordered to immediately turn the cannons towards the enemy in order to be ready to repel any attack. Only Silver Feather remained unperturbed. He took a long pipe from his mouth, which he did only in exceptional cases, and said:

- Do not be afraid toys. This is the Great Spirit - the Sun, everyone's friend. See how the whole square cheered up, rejoicing in his arrival.

They all looked at the display case. The square really sparkled under the sun's rays. The jets of the fountains seemed fiery. A gentle warmth penetrated through the dusty glass into the Fairy's shop.

- A thousand drunken whales! The Captain muttered again. “I’m a sea wolf, not a sunny one!

The dolls, chatting happily, immediately began to sunbathe.

However, the sun's rays could not penetrate into one corner of the shop window. The shadow fell just on the Machinist, and he became very angry:

- It had to happen so that I was in the shadows!

He peered out the window, and his keen eyes, accustomed to staring at the rails for hours on long journeys, met a pair of huge, wide-open eyes of a child.

It was possible to look into these eyes, as one looks into a house when there are no curtains on the windows. And looking into them. The machinist saw a great unchildish sadness.

Strange, thought the Blue Arrow Driver. - I have always heard that children are cheerful people. All they know is that they laugh and play from morning to evening. And this one seems to me sad, like an old man. What happened to him?"

- A thousand lame whales! - exclaimed the Captain. - I will record this event in the logbook!

Finally the boy wiped his eyes with the sleeve of his jacket, went to the store door, grabbed the handle and pushed the door.

A dull bell rang out, which seemed to be complaining, calling for help.

Chapter III. HALF-BONED CAPTAIN EXCITED

“Signora Baroness, someone has entered the store,” the maid said.

The fairy, who was combing her hair in her room, quickly went down the stairs, holding hairpins in her mouth and pinning her hair on the way.

- Whoever it is, why doesn't he close the door? She muttered. - I did not hear the call, but immediately felt a draft.

For the sake of solidity, she put on her glasses and entered the shop with small, slow steps, as a real signora should walk, especially if she is almost a baroness. But when she saw in front of her a poorly dressed boy, who was crumpling his blue beret in his hands, she realized that the ceremony was unnecessary.

- Well? What's the matter? - With all her appearance, the Fairy would like to say: "Speak quickly, I have no time."

- I ... Signora ... - whispered the boy.

Everyone froze in the window, but nothing was heard.

- What did he say? - whispered the Chief of the Train.

- Shh! - ordered the Chief of the Station. - Do not make noise!

“But, signora, I have already written to you,” the boy hastily whispered, fearing to lose courage.

- Oh, that's how! When?

- About a month ago.

- Let's see. What is your name?

- Monty Francesco.

- Quardicciolo ...

“Um… Monty, Monti… Here, Francesco Monti. Indeed, twenty-three days ago you asked me for an electric train as a present. Why just a train? You could ask me for an airplane or an airship, or better yet, a whole air fleet!

“But I like the train, Signora Feya.

- Ah, my dear boy, do you like the train ?! Do you know that two days after your letter your mother came here ...

- Yes, I asked her to come. I asked her this: go to the Fairy, I have already written everything to her, and she is so kind that she will not refuse us.

- I'm not good or bad. I work, but I cannot work for free. Your mother didn't have the money to pay for the train. She wanted to leave me an old watch in exchange for the train. But I can't see them, this watch! Because they make time move faster. I also reminded her that she still has to pay me for the horse she took last year. And for the top, taken two years ago. Did you know about this?

No, the boy did not know that. Moms rarely share their troubles with their children.

“That's why you got nothing this year. Do you understand? Don't you think I'm right?

“Yes, signora, you're right,” Francesco muttered. “I just thought you forgot my address.

- No, on the contrary, I remember him very well. You see, I have it written down. And one of these days I will send my secretary to you to take money for last year's toys.

The old maid, who had listened to their conversation, upon hearing that they had named her secretary, nearly fainted and had to drink a glass of water to catch her breath.

- What an honor for me, Signora Baroness! She said to her mistress when the boy was gone.

- Well, I bury it! - Fairy muttered gruffly. - In the meantime, hang a sign on the door: "Closed until tomorrow" so that other annoying visitors do not come.

- Maybe lower the curtain?

- Yes, perhaps omit it. I see that there will be no good trade today.

The maid ran to obey orders. Francesco was still standing outside the store, his nose buried in the window, and he waited, not knowing why. The curtain came down and almost hit him on the head. Francesco buried his nose in the dusty curtain and sobbed.

In the window, these sobs had an extraordinary effect. One after another, the dolls also began to cry and cried so hard that the Captain could not stand it and swore:

Great Leader Silver Feather took the pipe out of his mouth, which he had to do every time he wanted to say something, and said:

- Captain Half-Beard does not tell the truth. He is very excited about the poor white child.

- What am I? Explain to me, please, what does “excited” mean?

- This means that one side of the face is crying, and the other is ashamed of it.

The captain chose not to turn, as his beardless half of his face was in fact crying.

- Shut up, you old rooster! He shouted. “Otherwise I’ll go downstairs and nibble you like a Christmas turkey!

And for a long time he continued to spew out curses, so colorful that the General, deciding that the war was about to begin, ordered the cannons to be loaded. But Silver Feather took the receiver in his mouth and fell silent, and then even dozed off sweetly. By the way, he always slept with a pipe in his mouth.