`` Yes ; indeed : it does one 's heart good to see such a happy family , '' added Mrs. Skim , who was a very motherly bird . `` I do n't wish to boast ; but I will say that I am satisfied with my summer 's work , and go South feeling that I leave an enviable reputation behind me . '' And Mrs. Wing plumed herself with an air of immense importance , as she nodded and bridled from her perch on the window-sill . The man saw the three , and hastened to feed them for the last time , knowing that they were about to go . Gratefully they ate , and chirped their thanks ; and then , as they flew away , the little gossips heard their friend singing his good-by : `` Swallow , swallow , neighbor swallow , Starting on your autumn flight , Pause a moment at my window , Twitter softly your good-night ; For the summer days are over , All your duties are well done , And the happy homes you builded Have grown empty , one by one . `` Swallow , swallow , neighbor swallow , Are you ready for your flight ? Are all the feather cloaks completed ? Are the little caps all right ? Are the young wings strong and steady For the journey through the sky ? Come again in early spring-time ; And till then , good-by , good-by ! '' VIII . LITTLE GULLIVER . Up in the light-house tower lived Davy , with Old Dan the keeper . Most little boys would have found it very lonely ; but Davy had three friends , and was as happy as the day was long . One of Davy 's friends was the great lamp , which was lighted at sunset , and burnt all night , to guide the ships into the harbor . To Dan it was only a lamp ; but to the boy it seemed a living thing , and he loved and tended it faithfully . Every day he helped Dan clear the big wick , polish the brass work , and wash the glass lantern which protected the flame . Every evening he went up to see it lighted , and always fell asleep , thinking , `` No matter how dark or wild the night , my good Shine will save the ships that pass , and burn till morning . '' Davy 's second friend was Nep , the Newfoundland , who was washed ashore from a wreck , and had never left the island since . Nep was rough and big , but had such a loyal and loving heart that no one could look in his soft brown eyes and not trust him .
He followed XXXXX 's steps all day , slept at his feet all night , and more than once had saved his life when Davy fell among the rocks , or got caught by the rising tide .
Dan Davy Nep cloaks day evening left right second window-sill