"Will you walk a little faster?" asked a whiting to a snail, expressing impatience. The whiting explains that a porpoise is close behind, threatening to step on their tail, which adds a sense of urgency to their movement. The scene highlights the interaction between marine creatures, emphasizing speed and the need to keep ahead of impending danger.

The quote also notes how lobsters and turtles are rushing forward, suggesting a collective effort to stay safe or reach a destination swiftly. This passage by Lewis Carroll blends whimsy and intrigue, illustrating a lively underwater scene filled with creatures trying to escape a nearby threat.