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136 THE MOCK “A fine day, your Majesty!” the Duchess began in a low, weak voice. “Now, | give you fair warning,” shouted the Queen, stamping on the ground as she spoke ; “either you or your head must be off, and that in about half no time! Take your choice!” The Duchess took her choice, and was gone in a moment. “Let's go on with the game,” the Queen said to Alice; and Alice was too much frightened to say a word, but any followed her back to the croquet-ground. I'he other guests had taken advantage of the Queen’s absence, and were resting in the shade: however, the moment they saw her, they hurried back to the game, the Queen merely remarking that a moments delay would cost them their lives. All the time they were playing the Queen never left off quarrelling with the other players, and shouting " Off with his head!” or “Off with her head!” Those whom she sentenced
