(The unfortunate 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 offended 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.

‘I 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!’ 🔊