CHAPTER XII.—ALICE’S

HVIDENCE ss ERE!” cried Alice, quite forgetting in the flurry of the moment how large she had grown in the last few minutes, and she jumped up in such a hurry that she tipped over the jury-box with the edge of her skirt, upsetting all the jurymen on to the heads of the crowd below, and there they lay sprawling about, reminding her very much of a globe of gold-fish she had accidentally upset the week before. “Oh, I beg your pardon!” she exclaimed in a tone of great dismay, and began picking them up 138
ALICE’S EVIDENCE
again as quickly as she could, for the accident of the gold-fish kept running in her head, and she had a vague sort of idea that they must be col- lected at once and put back into the jury-box, or they would die.
‘The trial cannot proceed,” said the King ina very grave voice, ‘until all the jurymen are in their proper places—dall,” he repeated with great emphasis, looking hard at Alice as he said so.
Alice looked at the jury-box, and saw that, in her haste, she had put the Lizard in head down- wards, and the poor little thing was waving its tail about in a melancholy way, being quite unable to move. She soon got it out again, and put it right; “not that it signifies much,” she said to herself; ‘‘ I should think it would be quite as much use in the trial one way up as the other.”
As soon as the jury had a little recovered from the shock of being upset, and their slates and pencils had been found and handed back to them, they set to work very diligently to write out a history of the accident, all except the Lizard, who seemed too much overcome to do anything but sit with its mouth open, gazing up into the roof of the court.
‘“What do you know about this business?” the King said to Alice.
139
ALICE’S ADVENTURES
“Nothing,” said Alice.
‘Nothing whatever ?” persisted the King.
‘‘ Nothing whatever,” said Alice.
“That's very important,” the King said, turning to the jury. They were just beginning to write down on their slates, when the White Rabbit in- terrupted: Unimportant, your Majesty means, of course,’ he said in a very respectful tone, but frowning and making faces at him as he spoke.
‘‘Unimportant, of course, I meant,” the King _ hastily said, and went on to himself in an under- tone, ‘‘important—unimportant—unimportant— important——’ as if he were trying which word sounded best.
Some of the jury wrote it down “important,” and some ‘“‘ unimportant.” Alice could see this, as she was near enough to look over their slates; “but it doesn't matter a bit,” she thought to her- self.
At this moment the King, who had been for some time busily writing in his note-book, called out “Silence!” and read out from his book, “ Rule Forty-two. All persons more than a mile high to leave the court.”
HKiverybody looked at Alice.
“I’m not a mile high,” said Alice,
‘You are,” said the King.
140
ALICK’S EVIDENCE
‘Nearly two miles high,” added the Queen.
‘Well, I sha’n’t go, at any rate,” said Alice ; “besides, that’s not a regular rule: you invented it just now.”
“It’s the oldest rule in the book,” said the King.
“Then it ought to be Number One,” said Alice.
The King turned pale, and shut his note-book hastily. ‘‘Consider your verdict,” he said to the jury, in a low trembling voice.
“There's more evidence to come yet, please your Majesty,” said the White Rabbit, jumping up in a great hurry; ‘“‘ this paper has just been picked up.”
‘What's in it?” said the Queen.
“JT haven't opened it yet,” said the White Rabbit, ‘‘but it seems to be a letter, written by the prisoner to—to somebody.”
“It must have been that,” said the King, “ un- less it was written to nobody, which isn’t usual, you know.”
‘‘Who is it directed to?” said one of the jury- men.
“Tt isn’t directed at all.” said the White Rabbit ; ‘“‘in fact, there’s nothing written on the outside.” He unfolded the paper as he spoke, and added, “It isn’t a letter, after all: it’s a set of verses.”
“Are they in the prisoners handwriting?” asked another of the jurymen.
141
ALICE’S ADVENTURES
‘No, they're not,” said the White Rabbit, “‘ and that's the queerest thing about it.” (The jury all looked puzzled.)
‘He must have imitated somebody else’s hand,” said the King. (The jury all brightened up again.)
“Please your Majesty,” said the Knave, “I didn’t write it, and they can’t prove that I did: there’s no name signed at the end.”
“Tf you didn’t sign it,” said the King, “ that only makes the matter worse. You must have meant some mischief, or else you'd have signed your name like an honest man.”
There was a general clapping of hands at this: it was the first really clever thing the King had said that day.
“That proves his guilt,’ said the Queen.
“It proves nothing of the sort!” said Alice. “Why, you dont even know what they're about !” |
“Read them,” said the King.
The White Rabbit put on his spectacles. ‘Where shall I begin, please your Majesty ?” he asked.
“Begin at the beginning,” the King said gravely, “and go on till you come to the end: then stop.”
142
ALICEH’S EVIDENCE
These were the verses the White Rabbit read :—
“ They told me you had been to her, And mentioned me to him: She gave me a good character, But said I could not swim.
He sent them word I had not gone (We know tt to be true):
Jf she should push the matter on, What would become of you ?
I gave her one, they gave him two, You gave us three or more ;
They all returned from him to you, Though they were mine before.
If I or she should chance to be Involved in this affair,
He trusts to you to set them free, LHxactly as we were.
My notion was that you had been (Before she had this fit)
An obstacle that came between Him, and ourselves, and it.
Don’t let him know she liked them best.. for this must ever be
A secret, kept from all the rest, Between yourself and me.”
“That's the most important piece of evidence weve heard yet,’ said the King, rubbing his hands ; ‘‘so now let the jury
“Tf any one of them can explain it,” said Alice,
143
ALICE’S ADVENTURES
(she had grown so large in the last few minutes that she wasn’t a bit afraid of interrupting him,) “Tll give him sixpence. J don’t believe there's an atom of meaning in it.”
The jury all wrote down on their slates, ‘‘ She
doesn't believe there’s an atom of meaning in it,” but none of them attempted to explain the paper. “If there’s no meaning in it,” said the King, “that saves a world of trouble, you know, as we needn't try to find any. And yet I don’t know,” he went on, spreading out the verses on his knee, and looking at them with one eye; “I seem to see some meaning in them, after all. ‘ said L could not swim—’ you can’t swim, can you?” he added, turning to the Knave.
The Knave shook his head sadly. ‘Do I look like it?” he said. (Which he certainly did not, being made entirely of cardboard.)
‘All right, so far,” said the King, and he went on muttering over the verses to himself: ‘“‘‘ We know it to be true— that’s the jury, of course— ‘I gave her one, they gave him two— why, that must be what he did with the tarts, you know——”
“ But it goes on ‘they all returned from him to you,” said Alice. |
144
ALICE’S EVIDENCE
“ Why, there they are!” said the King trium- phantly, pointing to the tarts on the table. “ Nothing can be clearer than that. Then again—
‘* Why, there they are!” said the King triumphantly, pointing to the tarts.
‘before she had this fi— you never had fits, my dear, | think?” he said to the Queen. ‘“* Never!” said the Queen furiously, throwing an
inkstand at the Lizard as she spoke. (The un- L 145
ALICE’S ADVENTURES
fortunate little Bill had left off writing on his slate with one finger, as he found it made no mark; but he now hastily began again, using the ink, that was trickling down his face, as long as it lasted. )
“Then the words don’t fit you,” said the King, looking round the court with a smile. There was a dead silence. :
“It's a pun!” the King added in an angry tone, and everybody laughed. “Let the jury consider their verdict,” the King said, for about the twentieth time that day.
“No, no!” said the Queen. ‘‘ Sentence first— verdict afterwards.’
“Stuff and nonsense!” said Alice loudly. ‘‘'The idea of having the sentence first!”
‘Hold your tongue!” said the Queen, turning purple.
‘“T won't!” said Alice.
“Off with her head!” the Queen shouted at the top of her voice. Nobody moved.
‘Who cares for you?” said Alice, (she had grown to her full size by this time.) ‘‘ You're nothing but a pack of cards!”
At this the whole pack rose up into the air, and came flying down upon her; she gave a little scream, half of fright and half of anger, and tried
146
The whole pack rose up into the air.
ALICH’S ADVENTURES
to beat them off, and found herself lying on the bank, with her head in the lap of her sister, who was gently brushing away some dead leaves that had fluttered down from the trees upon her face.
‘“Wake up, Alice dear!” said her sister. ‘‘ Why, what a long sleep you've had!”
“Oh, I’ve had such a curious dream!” said Alice, and she told her sister, as well as she could remember them, all these strange Adventures of hers that you have just been reading about; and when she had finished, her sister kissed her, and said, ‘‘It was a curious dream, dear, certainly : but now run in to your tea; it’s getting late.” So Alice got up and ran off, thinking while she ran, as well she might, what a wonderful dream it
had been,
148
ALICE’S EVIDENCE
But her sister sat still just as she had left her, leaning her head on her hand, watching the setting sun, and thinking of little Alice and of her wonderful Adventures, till she too began dreaming after a fashion, and this was her dream :—
First, she dreamed of little Alice herself :— once again the tiny hands were clasped upon her knee, and the bright eager eyes were looking up into hers—she could hear the very tones of her voice, and see that queer little toss of her head, to keep back the wandering hair that would always get into her eyes—and still as she listened, or seemed to listen, the whole place around her became alive with the strange creatures of her little sister's dream. é
The long grass rustled at her feet as the White
Rabbit hurried by—the frightened Mouse splashed 149
& } IKK et, \\ Wits GW", Z Ses i
CEA
ba 4
=
—— a: a ——_—
‘N Re, / : MZ INS CEN EMO FW aaa ag en
Strange creatures of her dream.
ALICE’S EVIDENCE
his way through the neighbouring pool—she could hear the rattle of the teacups as the March Hare and his friends shared their never-ending meal, and the shrill voice of the Queen ordering off her unfortunate guests to execution—once more the pig-baby was sneezing on the Duchess’ knee, while plates and dishes crashed around it—once more the shriek of the Gryphon, the squeaking of the Lizard’s slate-pencil and the choking of the suppressed guinea-pigs, filled the air, mixed up with the distant sobs of the miserable Mock Turtle. So she sat on, with closed eyes, and half believed herself in Wonderland, though she knew she had but to open them again, and all would change to dull reality—the grass would be only rustling in the wind, and the pool rippling to the waving of the reeds—the rattling teacups would change to the tinkling sheep-bells, and the Queen’s shrill cries to the voice of the shepherd boy—and the sneeze of the baby, and the shriek of the Gryphon, and all the other queer noises, would change (she knew) to the confused clamour of the busy farm-yard— while the lowing of the cattle in the distance would take the place of the Mock Turtle’s heavy sobs. Lastly, she pictured to nerseif how this same little sister of hers would, in the after-time, be herself a grown woman ; and how she would keep, . 151
ALICE’S ADVENTURES
through all her riper years, the simple and loving heart of her childhood: and how she would gather about her other little children, and make their eyes bright and eager with many a strange tale, perhaps even with the dream of Wonderland of long ago: and how she would feel with all their simple sorrows, and find a pleasure in all their simple joys, remembering her own child-life, and the happy summer days. |
THE END.
CANADIAN WONDER TALES By CYRUS MACMILLAN
With Thirty-two Illustrations in Colour by GEORGE SHERINGHAM
Crown 4to. 21s. net. Also an Unillustrated Edition in the Week-End Library. - F’cap 8vo. 3s. 6d. net
These tales have been taken from the lips of Indians, sailors, and habitants. They bear the hall-mark of the folk-tale in every sentence ; the style is simplicity itself, exactly what is necessary for the setting forth of a folk tale.
“* Lovers of fairy stories and folk-lore (and who is not ?) will find a real treasure in ‘ Canadian wonder Tales.’ The serious student will find quite a fair amount of new material, but the child will revel in the stories, caring little whether they be new or old. With its delightful pictures by George Sheringham, it would make a delightful gift for a very lucky child.’’
Sunday Evening Telegram.
‘*A delectable gift-book. Every child, and every grown-up for that matter, ought to be much obliged to Major Macmillan for procuring ali this precious information.’’—Morning Post.
CANADIAN FAIRY TALES By CYRUS MACMILLAN
With Sixteen Illustrations in Colour and Four- teen in Black and White by Marcia LANE FOSTER Crown 4to. 16s. net Also an Unillustrated Edition in the Week-End Library.
F’cap 8vo. 3s. 6d. net
Poetic and charming stories taken from Red Indian folk-lore.
John Lane The Bodley Head Ltd., Vigo St., W. 1.
THE GOLDEN AGE - By KENNETH GRAHAME Crown 8vo. 5s. net
“* The Golden Age’ is one of the few books which are well-nigh too praiseworthy for praise.”’ Daily Chronicle.
Three Illustrated Editions of
THE GOLDEN AGE By KENNETH GRAHAME
With Nineteen Full-page Photogravures, Thirteen smaller Illustrations, a Title- page, and Cover Design by MAXFIELD
PARRISH. Small 4to. 12s. 6d. net “For a gift-book it is unique.” —Guardian.
THE GOLDEN AGE By KENNETH GRAHAME
With Sixteen Illustrations, End-papers, and Cover Design by R. J. ENRaGuHtT-Moony.
Crown 4to. 12s. 6d. net
THE GOLDEN AGE By KENNETH GRAHAME
Illustrated in Colour and Black and White by Lois LENsKI.
Crown 8vo. 6s. net
A new edition of this classic illustrated by an artist who has well justified the distinction of being chosen to illustrate this irresistible book,
John Lane The Bodley Head Ltd., Vigo St., W. 1.
DREAM DAYS By KENNETH GRAHAME
Crown 8vo. 5s. net
“Happy Mr. Grahame who can weave romance so well.”—Daily Telegraph.
Two Illustrated Editions of
DREAM DAYS By KENNETH GRAHAME
With Ten Full-page Photogravures, Title- page, Cover Design, and Tail-pieces by MAXFIELD PARRISH.
Small 4to. 12s. 6d. net
“ Of Mr. Maxfield Parrish I will only say that
he is the most delightful illustrator alive.”
Sir A. T. QUILLER-CoucH in the Daily News. Also Illustrated in Colour and Black and White by Lois LENSKI.
Crown 8vo. 6s. net
THE HEADSWOMAN
By KENNETH GRAHAME New Illustrated Edition with Drawings in Colour and Woodcuts by Marcia LANE FOSTER. Crown 8vo. 6s. net Special Edition on hand-made paper. Limited to 75 copies. £1 1s. net “A delicious reprint of a charming medieval morality. The eight coloured woodcuts by
Marcia Lane Foster are a sheer delight.”— Graphic.
John Lane The Bodley Head Ltd., Vigo St., W. 1.
,
COME UNTOTHESE YELLOW SANDS. A Volume of Fairy Stories By MARGARET WOODS
- With Sixteen Illustrations in Colour, and numerous Drawings in Black and White by Joun Hancock. Crown gto. 6s. net.
PEREZ THE MOUSE Adapted from the Spanish by LADY MORETON
With Sixteen Illustrations in Colour by
GEORGE HowarD VYSE, and many Marginal
Illustrations in Black and White. Medium 16mo. 1s. 6d. net
SIX FAIRY PLAYS FOR
CHILDREN ‘py NEDIA SYRETY Small 4to. 3s. 6d. net
ROBIN GOODFELLOW And other Fairy Plays for Children
By NETTA SYRETT Small 4to. 2s. 6d. net
THE FAIRY DOLL
And other Fairy Plays for Children By NETTA SYRETT
Small 4to. 3s. 6d. net
LITTLE BOY OUT OF THE WOOD And other Dream Plays B
y KATHLEEN CONYNGHAM GREENE Small gto. 2s. 6d. net
John Lane The Bodley Head Ltd., Vigo St., W. 1.
A FROLIC ROUND THE ZOO
Being the Adventures of Blinx and Bunda, told and illustrated in black and white. By J. A. SHEPHERD Oblong Crown 4to. 7s. 6d. net
Mr. J. A. Shepherd is rightly famous for his splendid animal studies, which have something of the facility and boldness of line, as well as the sense of humour, so characteristic of the drawings of the best Japanese masters; and having in addition an unrivalled knowledge of the nature of birds and beasts, he is able to humanise most delightfully their emotions, passions and manners. The merry adventures of Blinx and Bunda will be enjoyed by many, old as well as young, this Christmas.
ALADDIN
Retold and illustrated in colour and black and white
By S. G. HULME BEAMAN
Crown 8vo, 5s. net.
“The volume is really beautifully produced and will charm many a lucky youngster.’’— British Weekly.
“A delightful retelling ...an_ excellent
present for a boy or girl.’’—-Siar.
THE SEVEN VOYAGES OF SINDBAD THE SAILOR
Retold with 8 illustrations in colour and decor- ations in black and white By S. G. HULME BEAMAN, Author of ‘‘ Aladdin.” Crown 4to. 5s. net This attractive new edition of the immortal ‘“‘ Sinbad ”’ stories will certainly be a very popular gift-book this season. Mr. Beaman’s illus- trations are in the same bold and imaginative style as his drawings for the successful edition of ‘‘ Aladdin,”’ published not long ago.
ee ee ae a John Lane The Bodley Head Ltd., Vigo St., W. 1.
THE FAIRIES ANNUAL By CECIL STARR JOHNS With Illustrations in Colour and Black and White by the Author. Crown 4to. 10s. 6d. net
“ The treatment of the subjects is so novel and its manner so adapted to the child-mind that the