The confusion got worse every moment , and Alice was very glad to get out of the wood into an open place , where she found the White King seated on the ground , busily writing in his memorandum-book . ` I 've sent them all ! ' the King cried in a tone of delight , on seeing Alice . ` Did you happen to meet any soldiers , my dear , as you came through the wood ? ' ` Yes , I did , ' said Alice : ` several thousand , I should think . ' ` Four thousand two hundred and seven , that 's the exact number , ' the King said , referring to his book . ' I could n't send all the horses , you know , because two of them are wanted in the game . And I have n't sent the two Messengers , either . They 're both gone to the town . Just look along the road , and tell me if you can see either of them . ' ' I see nobody on the road , ' said Alice . ' I only wish I had such eyes , ' the King remarked in a fretful tone . ` To be able to see Nobody ! And at that distance , too ! Why , it 's as much as I can do to see real people , by this light ! ' All this was lost on Alice , who was still looking intently along the road , shading her eyes with one hand . ' I see somebody now ! ' she exclaimed at last . ` But he 's coming very slowly -- and what curious attitudes he goes into ! ' -LRB- For the messenger kept skipping up and down , and wriggling like an eel , as he came along , with his great hands spread out like fans on each side . -RRB-
` Not at all , ' said the XXXXX .
Alice King Nobody White fans ground memorandum-book soldiers tone wood