A Caucus-Race and a Long Tale

Alice had no idea what to do, and in despair she put her hand in her pocket, and pulled out a box of comfits, (luckily the salt water had not got into it), and handed them round as prizes. There was exactly one a-piece, all round.

Collect

Mouse:

But she must have a prize herself, you know,

said the Mouse.

Dodo:

Of course,

the Dodo replied very gravely.

What else have you got in your pocket?

he went on, turning to Alice.

Alice:

Only a thimble,

said Alice sadly.

Dodo:

Hand it over here,

said the Dodo.

Collect

Then they all crowded round her once more, while the Dodo solemnly presented the thimble, saying

Dodo:

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.