Stranica 135 [135]
CRGOUET-GROUND. 119
three of the soldiers remaining behind to execute
the unfortunate gardeners, who ran to Alice for
protection.
“You shan’t be beheaded!” said Alice, and
she put them into a large flower-pot that stood
near. The three soldiers wandered about for a
minute or two, looking for them, and then quietly
marched off after the others.
“ Are their heads off 2”’ shouted the Queen.
“Their heads are gone, if it please your
Majesty!” the soldiers shouted in reply.
“That's mght!” shouted the Queen. “Can
you play croquet ?”
The soldiers were silent, and looked at Alice,
as the question was evidentiy meant for her.
“Yes!” shouted Alice.
“Come on, then!” roared the Queen, and Alice
jomed the procession, wondering very much what
would happen next.
“Its—it’s a very fine day!” said a timid
voice at her side. She was walking by the White
Rabbit, who was peeping anxiously into her face.