Алиса в зазеркалье
It’s my own Invention
Shewasquitefrightenedthistime,andsaidinananxioustone,asshepickedhimup,‘Ihopenobonesarebroken?’
‘Nonetospeakof,’theKnightsaid,asifhedidn’tmindbreakingtwoorthreeofthem.‘Thegreatartofriding,asIwassaying,is—tokeepyourbalanceproperly.Likethis,youknow—’
Heletgothebridle,andstretchedoutbothhisarmstoshowAlicewhathemeant,andthistimehefellflatonhisback,rightunderthehorse’sfeet.
‘Plentyofpractice!’hewentonrepeating,allthetimethatAlicewasgettinghimonhisfeetagain.‘Plentyofpractice!’
‘It’stooridiculous!’criedAlice,losingallherpatiencethistime.‘Yououghttohaveawoodenhorseonwheels,thatyouought!’
‘Doesthatkindgosmoothly?’theKnightaskedinatoneofgreatinterest,claspinghisarmsroundthehorse’sneckashespoke,justintimetosavehimselffromtumblingoffagain.
‘Muchmoresmoothlythanalivehorse,’Alicesaid,withalittlescreamoflaughter,inspiteofallshecoulddotopreventit.
‘I’llgetone,’theKnightsaidthoughtfullytohimself.‘Oneortwo—several.’
Therewasashortsilenceafterthis,andthentheKnightwentonagain.‘I’magreathandatinventingthings.Now,Idaresayyounoticed,thatlasttimeyoupickedmeup,thatIwaslookingratherthoughtful?’
‘Youwerealittlegrave,’saidAlice.
‘Well,justthenIwasinventinganewwayofgettingoveragate—wouldyouliketohearit?’
‘Verymuchindeed,’Alicesaidpolitely.
