better not fight to-day,’ said Alice, thinking it a good opportunity to make peace.

‘We must have a bit of a fight, but I don’t care about going on long,’ said Tweedledum. ‘What’s the time now?’

Tweedledee looked at his watch, and said ‘Half-past four.’

‘Let’s fight till six, and then have dinner,’ said Tweedledum.

‘Very well,’ the other said, rather sadly: ‘and she can watch us — only you’d better not come very close,’ he added: ‘I generally hit everything I can see — when I get really excited.’

‘And I hit everything within reach,’ cried Tweedledum,