So of course Nobody walks slower than you . ' ' I do my best , ' the Messenger said in a sulky tone . ` I 'm sure nobody walks much faster than I do ! ' ` He ca n't do that , ' said the King , ` or else he 'd have been here first . However , now you 've got your breath , you may tell us what 's happened in the town . ' ` I 'll whisper it , ' said the Messenger , putting his hands to his mouth in the shape of a trumpet , and stooping so as to get close to the King 's ear . Alice was sorry for this , as she wanted to hear the news too . However , instead of whispering , he simply shouted at the top of his voice ` They 're at it again ! ' ` Do you call THAT a whisper ? ' cried the poor King , jumping up and shaking himself . ` If you do such a thing again , I 'll have you buttered ! It went through and through my head like an earthquake ! ' ` It would have to be a very tiny earthquake ! ' thought Alice . ` Who are at it again ? ' she ventured to ask . ` Why the Lion and the Unicorn , of course , ' said the King . ` Fighting for the crown ? ' ` Yes , to be sure , ' said the King : ` and the best of the joke is , that it 's MY crown all the while ! Let 's run and see them . '
And they trotted off , XXXXX repeating to herself , as she ran , the words of the old song : -- ` The Lion and the Unicorn were fighting for the crown : The Lion beat the Unicorn all round the town .
Alice King Messenger Unicorn course earthquake first shape whisper whispering