Here the mother-bird chirped so loud it was impossible to help seeing that she did care very much ; and the shadow stamped its foot and waved its hand , as if ordering the young robber to carry back the baby-bird . Will stood still , and thought a minute ; but his little heart was a very kind one , and he soon turned about , saying pleasantly : `` Yes , it is naughty , and I wo n't do it . I 'll ask mamma to get me a canary , and will let this birdie stay with his brothers . '' The shadow patted him on the shoulder , and seemed to be delighted as Will put the bird in the nest and walked on , feeling much happier than if he had kept it . A bush of purple berries grew by the path , and Will stopped to pick some . He did n't know what they were , and mamma had often told him never to eat strange things . But they smelt so good , and looked so nice , he could n't resist , and lifted one to his mouth , when little shadow motioned for him to stop . `` Oh , dear ! you do n't let me do any thing I want to , '' sighed Will . `` I shall ask Polly if I tar n't eat these ; and , if she says I may , I shall , so now . '' He ran off to ask Polly ; but she said they were poisonous , and begged him to throw them away . `` Good little shadow , to keep me safe ! '' cried Will . `` I like you ; and I 'll mind better next time , 'cause you are always right . '' The shadow seemed to like this , and bobbed about so comically it made Will laugh till his eyes were full of tears . Ned came back , and they went on , having grand times in the wood . They found plenty of berries to fill the basket ; they swung down on slender birches , and got rolls of white bark for canoes ; they saw all sorts of wild-wood insects and birds ; and frolicked till they were tired . As they crossed a field , a cow suddenly put down her head and ran at them , as if she was afraid they meant to hurt her calf . All turned , and ran as fast as they could toward the wall ; but poor Will in his fright tumbled down , and lay screaming . Ned and Polly had reached the wall , and , looking back , saw that their shadows had not followed .
Ned 's stood before Will , brandishing his pole ; and XXXXX 's was flapping a shadowy sun-bonnet with all its might .
Ned Polly Will baby-bird bush fright heart minute right wall