‘The reason is,’ said the Gryphon, ‘that they would go with the lobsters

to the dance. 🔊 So they got thrown out to sea. 🔊 So they had to fall a long

way. So they got their tails fast in their mouths. 🔊 So they couldn’t get

them out again. That’s all.’ 🔊

‘Thank you,’ said Alice, ‘it’s very interesting. I never knew so much

about a whiting before.’ 🔊

‘I can tell you more than that, if you like,’ said the Gryphon. ‘Do you

know why it’s called a whiting?’ 🔊

‘I never thought about it,’ said Alice. ‘Why?’ 🔊

‘It does the boots and shoes.’ the Gryphon replied very solemnly. 🔊

Alice was thoroughly puzzled. ‘Does the boots and shoes!’ she repeated

in a wondering tone. 🔊

‘Why, what are your shoes done with?’ said the Gryphon. ‘I mean, what

makes them so shiny?’ 🔊

Alice looked down at them, and considered a little before she gave her

answer. ‘They’re done with blacking, I believe.’ 🔊

‘Boots and shoes under the sea,’ the Gryphon went on in a deep voice,

‘are done with a whiting. Now you know.’ 🔊