Alice in Wonderland (61)

Alice in Wonderland (61)

" That's very important, " the king said, turning to jury.

They were just beginning to write this down on their slates, when the White Rabbit interrupted.

" Unimportant, your Majesty means, of course, " he said in a very respectful tone, but frowning and making face at him as he spoke.

" Unimportant, of course, i meant, " the king hastly said.

Some of the jury wrote it down ' important '  and some 'unimportant ' "

Alice could see this, and she thought to herself, " it doesn't matter a bit. "

At this time 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. "

Everybody looked at Alice.

" I'm not a mile high, " said Alice.

" You are, " said the king.

" Nearly two miles high, " added the Queen.

" Well, I shan'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.

(61/65)