instantly, and stood for some time looking at her with an air of the
deepest disgust.
What is this? he said at last.
This is a child! Haigha replied eagerly, coming in front of Alice to
introduce her, and spreading out both his hands towards her in an
Anglo-Saxon attitude. We only found it to-day. It s as large as life,
and twice as natural!
I always thought they were fabulous monsters! said the Unicorn. Is
it alive?
It can talk, said Haigha, solemnly.
The Unicorn looked dreamily at Alice, and said Talk, child.
Alice could not help her lips curling up into a smile as she began: Do
you know, I always thought Unicorns were fabulous monsters, too! I
never saw one alive before!
Well, now that we _have_ seen each other, said the Unicorn, if
you ll believe in me, I ll believe in you. Is that a bargain?
Yes, if you like, said Alice.
Come, fetch out the plum-cake, old man! the Unicorn went on, turning
from her to the King. None of your brown bread for me!
Certainly certainly! the King muttered, and beckoned to Haigha. Open
the bag! he whispered. Quick! Not that one that s full of hay!
Haigha took a large cake out of the bag, and gave it to Alice to hold,
while he got out a dish and carving-knife. How they all came out of it
Alice couldn t guess. It was just like a conjuring-trick, she thought.
The Lion had joined them while this was going on: he looked very tired
and sleepy, and his eyes were half shut. What s this! he said,
blinking lazily at Alice, and speaking in a deep hollow tone that
sounded like the tolling of a great bell.
70