Page:Carroll - Sylvie and Bruno.djvu/342

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
314
SYLVIE AND BRUNO.

"I have known such watches," I remarked.

"It goes, of course, at the usual rate. Only the time has to go with it. Hence, if I move the hands, I change the time. To move them forwards, in advance of the true time, is impossible: but I can move them as much as a month backwards——that is the limit. And then you have the events all over again——with any alterations experience may suggest."

"What a blessing such a watch would be," I thought, "in real life! To be able to unsay some heedless word——to undo some reckless deed! Might I see the thing done?"

"With pleasure!" said the good natured Professor. "When I move this hand back to here, pointing out the place, "History goes back fifteen minutes!"

Trembling with excitement, I watched him push the hand round as he described.

"Hurted mine self welly much!"

Shrilly and suddenly the words rang in my ears, and, more startled than I cared to show, I turned to look for the speaker.

Yes! There was Bruno, standing with the tears running down his cheeks, just as I had