` Thank you , ' said Alice , ` it 's very interesting . I never knew so much about a whiting before . ' ' I can tell you more than that , if you like , ' said the Gryphon . ` Do you know why it 's called a whiting ? ' ' I never thought about it , ' said Alice . ` Why ? ' ` IT DOES THE BOOTS AND SHOES . ' the Gryphon replied very solemnly . Alice was thoroughly puzzled . ` Does the boots and shoes ! ' she repeated in a wondering tone . ` Why , what are YOUR shoes done with ? ' said the Gryphon . ' I mean , what makes them so shiny ? ' Alice looked down at them , and considered a little before she gave her answer . ` They 're done with blacking , I believe . ' ` Boots and shoes under the sea , ' the Gryphon went on in a deep voice , ` are done with a whiting . Now you know . ' ` And what are they made of ? ' Alice asked in a tone of great curiosity .
` Soles and eels , of course , ' the XXXXX replied rather impatiently : ` any shrimp could have told you that . '
Alice Boots Gryphon answer curiosity sea shoes tone voice whiting