THE BOOK OF BETTY BARBER.
“It is sense,” said Lucy; “it is about” And then once more she stopped to think.
“Well, we can’t decide if it’s sense or nonsense, if she won’t say it,” said the Lobster.
“I expect it is nonsense,” said the Clangle-Wangle.
“She told me something about rooks sewing as long as their eyes could see,” said the Walrus.
But at that moment from the other side of the hedge came the sound of horses neighing, of oxen lowing, and of sheep bleating.
“Of course,” said Lucy, and she began to smile. “The third verse, I believe you said,” and she felt so happy she nodded at the Grand Panjandrum. “My third verse begins—
“The horses neighed and the oxen lowed,
The sheep’s bleat, bleat came o’er the road”
Before she could say another word every creature in the court began to shout at her.
“Throw her out,” said the Walrus.
“We don’t want her here,” shouted the Clangle-Wangle.
“She knows what she’s talking about! Absurd!” cried the Lobster.
“Catch who catch can!” shouted the Grand Panjandrum, speaking at last, his little button bobbing wildly up and down, backwards and forwards.
Every creature rose.
“Form lines!” shouted the Young Man.
“Slay the Jabberwock,” shouted a voice.
Lucy, frightened out of her wits, tugged at her dress. The creatures were preparing to make a rush at her, and the line was so long, she knew she would never get through it.
“Who is the Jabberwock?” asked the Carpenter.
“Lucy, Lucy, the impostor!” shouted all the creatures. “Lucy’s a sham!”
Lucy shut her eyes, expecting every minute to feel the Lobster bite her, the Pussy Cat scratch her, something dreadful to happen.
