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So Alice began telling them her adventures from the time when she

first saw the White Rabbit. She was a little nervous about it

just at first, the two creatures got so close to her, one on each

side, and opened their eyes and mouths so very wide, but she

gained courage as she went on. Her listeners were perfectly quiet

till she got to the part about her repeating "You are old, Father

William," to the Caterpillar, and the words all coming different,

and then the Mock Turtle drew a long breath, and said "That's

very curious."

"It's all about as curious as it can be," said the Gryphon.

"It all came different!" the Mock Turtle repeated thoughtfully.

"I should like to hear her try and repeat something now. Tell her

to begin." He looked at the Gryphon as if he thought it had some

kind of authority over Alice.

"Stand up and repeat ''Tis the voice of the sluggard,'" said the

Gryphon.