The bat said, "Um! there's something in that."
"And look," the Queen continued, "I've brought you your meat and flannel, and some stuff that's good for rheumatism."
The bat's eyes twinkled with delight. "Well, I'll tell you," he said. "Only you must promise, first, that you won't tell any one the secret; and secondly, that you won't eat any flies."
"Oh yes, I'll promise that willingly enough."
"Well, put the things up here on the top of the seat and I'll tell you."
The Queen did as she was bidden, and the bat continued—
"The flower you want is at this moment being trodden on by your foot."
The Queen felt a little startled, but, looking down, saw a delicate white flower that had trailed from a border and was being crushed beneath her small green shoes.
"What! the wind-flower?" she said. "I always thought it was only a weed."
"You shouldn't think," the bat said. "It's as bad as supposing."