Friday, July 10, 2009

John Yates: Evidence first, inquiry afterwards

From Alice in Wonderland:

'No, no!' said the Assistant Commissioner, 'evidence first - inquiry afterwards.'

'Stuff and nonsense!' said Alice loudly. 'The idea of having the evidence first!'

'Hold your tongue!' said the Assistant Commissioner, turning purple.

'I won't!' said Alice.

'Off with her head!' the Assistant Commissioner shouted at the top of his voice. Nobody moved.

'Who cares for you?' said Alice, (she had grown to her full size by this time.) 'You're nothing but a pack of cards!'

At this the whole pack rose up into the air, and came flying down upon her: she gave a little scream, half of fright and half of anger, and tried to beat them off, and found herself lying on the bank, with her head in the lap of her sister, who was gently brushing away some dead leaves that had fluttered down from the trees upon her face.

'Wake up, Alice dear!' said her sister; 'Why, what a long sleep you've had!'

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