The Phantom Tollbooth

As they drive, Milo asks Tock why his name isn’t Tick. Tock explains that, when his older brother was born, his parents named him Tick, but the child’s alarm-clock body made a “tock” sound. They named their second child Tock, but his alarm clock made a “tick” sound. The parents tried to get the names changed, but the Hall of Records refused them, so the two watchdogs are stuck with the wrong names. Still upset about it all, Tock begins to cry.

Tock explains that once there was no time, and people had trouble catching trains or knowing whether they were having lunch or dinner. Then time was invented, but it contains so many seconds, minutes, and hours that people quickly began to treat them as valueless, so watchdogs were created to ensure people don’t waste time.

They arrive at the walled city of Dictionopolis. The gateman announces that today is “market day” and demands to know whether Milo and Tock are there to buy or sell. Milo doesn’t have an answer. The gateman insists they can’t get in without a reason, so he rummages through a suitcase until he finds one, a medallion emblazoned with the words “WHY NOT?” He places it around Milo’s neck, and they drive into the city.