not got into it), and handed them round as prizes. There was exactly
one a-piece, all round.
But she must have a prize herself, you know, said the Mouse.
Of course, the Dodo replied very gravely. What else have you got in
your pocket? he went on, turning to Alice.
Only a thimble, said Alice sadly.
Hand it over here, said the Dodo.
Then they all crowded round her once more, while the Dodo solemnly
presented the thimble, saying We beg your acceptance of this elegant
thimble; and, when it had finished this short speech, they all
cheered.
Alice thought the whole thing very absurd, but they all looked so grave
that she did not dare to laugh; and, as she could not think of anything
to say, she simply bowed, and took the thimble, looking as solemn as
she could.
The next thing was to eat the comfits: this caused some noise and
confusion, as the large birds complained that they could not taste
theirs, and the small ones choked and had to be patted on the back.
However, it was over at last, and they sat down again in a ring, and
begged the Mouse to tell them something more.
You promised to tell me your history, you know, said Alice, and why
it is you hate C and D, she added in a whisper, half afraid that it
would be offended again.
Mine is a long and a sad tale! said the Mouse, turning to Alice, and
sighing.
It _is_ a long tail, certainly, said Alice, looking down with wonder
at the Mouse s tail; but why do you call it sad? And she kept on
puzzling about it while the Mouse was speaking, so that her idea of the
tale was something like this:
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