`` It 's a lie to call them fire-flies when there is n't a fire in them , '' Nan said , throwing one unhappy insect away with scorn , though it shone its best , and obligingly walked up and down the twigs to please the innocent little experimenters . `` Marmar 's a good while coming , '' said Rob , after another pause , during which they watched the stars overhead , smelt the sweet fern crushed under foot , and listened to the crickets ' serenade . `` I do n't see why God made any night ; day is so much pleasanter , '' said Nan , thoughtfully . `` It 's to sleep in , '' answered Rob , with a yawn . `` Then do go to sleep , '' said Nan , pettishly . `` I want my own bed . Oh , I wish I could see Teddy ! '' cried Rob , painfully reminded of home by the soft chirp of birds safe in their little nests . `` I do n't believe your mother will ever find us , '' said Nan , who was becoming desperate , for she hated patient waiting of any sort . `` It 's so dark she wo n't see us . '' `` It was all black in the ice-house , and I was so scared I did n't call her , but she saw me ; and she will see me now , no matter how dark it is , '' returned confiding Rob , standing up to peer into the gloom for the help which never failed him . `` I see her ! I see her ! '' he cried , and ran as fast as his tired legs would take him toward a dark figure slowly approaching . Suddenly he stopped , then turned about , and came stumbling back , screaming in a great panic , `` No , it 's a bear , a big black one ! '' and hid his face in Nan 's skirts . For a moment Nan quailed ; ever her courage gave out at the thought of a real bear , and she was about to turn and flee in great disorder , when a mild `` Moo ! '' changed her fear to merriment , as she said , laughing , `` It 's a cow , Robby ! the nice , black cow we saw this afternoon . '' The cow seemed to feel that it was not just the thing to meet two little people in her pasture after dark , and the amiable beast paused to inquire into the case .
She let them stroke her , and stood regarding them with her soft eyes so mildly , that XXXXX , who feared no animal but a bear , was fired with a desire to milk her .
Marmar Moo Nan Rob Robby chirp day fire fire-flies ice-house