Chapter 8
The Queen’s Croquet GroundA large rose-tree stood near the entrance of the garden: the
roses growing on it were white, but there were three gardeners at
it, busily painting them red. Alice thought this a very curious
thing, and she went nearer to watch them, and, just as she came up
to them, she heard one of them say “Look out now, Five! Don’t go
splashing paint over me like that!”
“I couldn’t help it,” said Five, in a sulky tone. “Seven jogged
my elbow.”
On which Seven looked up and said “That’s right, Five! Always
lay the blame on others!”
“You’d better not talk!” said Five. “I heard the Queen say only
yesterday you deserved to be beheaded.”
“What for?” said the one who had spoken first.
“That’s none of your business, Two!” said Seven.
“Yes, it is his business!”
