As if anxious to do its part , the bonnet flew up in the air , and coming down lit on the cross cow 's head ; which so astonished her that she ran away as hard as she could pelt . `` Was n't that funny ? '' said Will , when they had tumbled over the wall , and lay laughing in the grass on the safe side . `` I 'm glad I wore the old bonnet ; for I suppose my best hat would have gone just the same , '' said Polly thankfully . `` The calf does n't know its own mother with that thing on , '' laughed Ned . `` How brave and kind you were to come back and save me ! I 'd have been deaded if you had n't , '' said Will , looking at his brother and sister with his little face full of grateful admiration . They turned towards home after this flurry , feeling quite like heroes . When they came to the corner where two roads met , Ned proposed they should take the river-road ; for , though the longest , it was much the pleasantest . `` We sha n't be home at supper-time , '' said Polly . `` You wo n't be able to do your jobs , Ned , nor I mine , and Will 's chickens will have to go to bed hungry . '' `` Never mind : it 's a holiday , so let 's enjoy it , and not bother , '' answered Ned . `` We promised mamma we 'd come home early , '' said Will . They stood looking at the two roads , -- one sandy , hot , and hilly ; the other green and cool and level , along the river-side . They all chose the pleasant path , and walked on till Ned cried out , `` Why , where are our shadows ? '' They looked behind , before , and on either side ; but nowhere could they see them . `` They were with us at the corner , '' said Will . `` Let 's run back , and try to find them , '' said Polly . `` No , let 'em go : I 'm tired of minding mine , and do n't care if I never see it again , '' said Ned . `` Do n't say so ; for I remember hearing about a man who sold his shadow , and then got into lots of trouble because he had none .
We promised to follow them , and we must , '' said XXXXX .
Ned Polly air corner holiday home mine river-road shadow wall