Pinocchio's adventure on Pleasure Island had taken place nearly two months ago, back when he was just a wooden puppet in search of becoming a real boy. It hadn't been a pleasant time for him after all was said and done, but it was a lesson learned and a valuable one at that.
Although he was glad to have survived his time on the Island, Pinocchio harbored deep regrets over his failure to save his friend Candlewick as well as the other poor boys and girls that had fallen victim to the island's dreadful curse.
This was how it all happened...
"Hi-diddle-dee-dee and actor's life for me,
a high silk hat and silver cane,
a watch of gold with a diamond chain
Hi-diddle-dee-dee
and actor's life is gay,
it's great to be a celebrity,
an actor's life for me”
Laughter rang out and filled the room of a small tavern named the "RED LOBSTER" on the outskirts of the village of Lorenzini. Inside the tavern sat three figures, smoking and drinking the time away. One of them, the one whose laughter was currently occupying the room, was a crafty fox that walked on two legs and wore a patch work green suit along with a green hop hat and a blue cape.
His name was John Worthington Foulfellow, but those that he was friends with simply called him “Honest John“.
The second figure was a dim witted cat named Gideon, who served as John's partner and sidekick in their various illegal endeavors. While the third figure was that of a large heavy set man with graying blonde hair. He wore a red overcoat and a top hat.
The only name anyone knew him by was the Coachman.
"Ha, ha, ha," Honest John continued to laugh. "And the dummy fell for it. Ha ha! Hook, line and sinker! Ho-ho-ha ha!" He was referring to Pinocchio, who earlier he had convinced to "join" the Puppeteer Stromboli's puppet show, when in reality he had sold Pinocchio to Stromboli for gold.
"And he still thinks we’re his friends!" Honest John chuckled. "And did Stromboli pay! Plenty!"
Honest John then set a small sack of Gold Coins onto the table as proof of his latest scam and it's profitability. "That shows you how low Honest John will stoop, eh?"
The Coachman had listened to Honest John with interest. The crafty fox was just the person he needed to help him continue his illicit endeavors. John took a puff of his cigar and then turned his attention fully to the Coachman.
"Now, Coachman, what’s your proposition?" he asked, eager to earn more gold.
The Coachman took a puff of his pipe and leaned closer to Honest John. "Well, how would you blokes like to make some real money?" the Coachman asked them, placing a very large sack of gold coins onto the table.
Honest John's and Gideon's Jaws dropped at the sight of the sack of gold, which dwarfed their's considerably in comparison. "Well… and who do we have to, eh..." Honest John said as he made a sign with his hand as if he was cutting off someone's head.
"No! Nothing like that," the Coachman said, shaking his head. "I need my subjects alive and well. I'm in the business of selling "goods", you see. I sell these "goods" in bulk and for bargain prices that keeps the market demand for em` high as can be. It's made me a very, very rich man."
"And just what are these goods you sell, if I may?" Honest John asked, his curiosity piqued.
The Coachman leaned in closer to John and lowered his voice to a whisper. "I collect stupid boys and girls."
"Stupid boys and girls?" Honest John repeated in surprise. "You know, the disobedient ones that play hooky from school," the Coachman continued. "And once I have em'... I take them to Pleasure Island."
"Pleasure Island?!" Honest John exclaimed with a look of fear now in his eyes. "I-I've h-heard of that place... before."
"And?" the Coachman replied. "What about it?"
"But the law, suppose they..." Honest John began to say with a hint of nervousness in his voice. Once more the Coachman shook his head. "No, no. There is NO risk. The stupid ones never come back... as KIDS!"
And with that the Coachman laughed wickedly, his face contorting into almost that of a devil with the most evil grin one could imagine on his face. Both Honest John and Gideon trembled in fear at the sinister face the Coachman now wore.
Honest John gulped and managed to summon the courage to continue his conversation with the sinister Coachman. "And what exactly do you wish myself and Gideon to do with these stupid kids?"
The Coachman's face returned to normal as he smiled and leaned back into his chair. "Now, I’ve got a coach load leaving at midnight. We’ll met at the crossroads and no double crossing!" the Coachman warned. "No sir!" John replied. "You can count on me and Gideon to be very... discreet."
The Coachman chuckled and took another whiff of his pipe. "Good, very good," he said. "Scout around. Any good prospects you find, bring ‘em to me. I'll pay you both handsomely."