` The Dormouse is asleep again , ' said the Hatter , and he poured a little hot tea upon its nose . The Dormouse shook its head impatiently , and said , without opening its eyes , ` Of course , of course ; just what I was going to remark myself . ' ` Have you guessed the riddle yet ? ' the Hatter said , turning to Alice again . ` No , I give it up , ' Alice replied : ` what 's the answer ? ' ' I have n't the slightest idea , ' said the Hatter . ` Nor I , ' said the March Hare . Alice sighed wearily . ' I think you might do something better with the time , ' she said , ` than waste it in asking riddles that have no answers . ' ` If you knew Time as well as I do , ' said the Hatter , ` you would n't talk about wasting IT . It 's HIM . ' ' I do n't know what you mean , ' said Alice . ` Of course you do n't ! ' the Hatter said , tossing his head contemptuously . ' I dare say you never even spoke to Time ! ' ` Perhaps not , ' Alice cautiously replied : ` but I know I have to beat time when I learn music . ' ` Ah ! that accounts for it , ' said the Hatter . ` He wo n't stand beating . Now , if you only kept on good terms with him , he 'd do almost anything you liked with the clock .
For instance , suppose it were nine o'clock XXXXX the morning , just time to begin lessons : you 'd only have to whisper a hint to Time , and round goes the clock in a twinkling !
about as if in of on than to upon without