He forgot his promise , and down he went to the pond ; where he cut his stick , and was whittling the end , when he saw a boat by the shore . It was untied , and oars lay in it , as if waiting for some one to come and row out . `` I 'll just take a little pull across , and get those cardinal-flowers for Polly , '' he said ; and went to the boat . He got in , and was about to push off , when he saw his shadow standing on the shore . `` Do n't be a fool ; get in , and come along , '' he said to it , remembering his promise now , but deciding to break it , and ask pardon afterwards . But the shadow shook its head ; pointed to the swift stream that ran between the banks , the rocks and mud on the opposite side , and the leaky boat itself . `` I ai n't afraid : mamma wo n't mind , if I tell her I 'm sorry ; and it will be such fun to row alone . Be a good fellow , and let me go , '' said Ned , beckoning . But the shadow would not stir , and Ned was obliged to mind . He did so very reluctantly , and scolded the shadow well as he went back to Polly ; though all the time he felt he was doing right , and knew he should be glad afterwards . Will trotted after the rabbit , but did n't find it ; he found a bird 's - nest instead with four little birds in it . He had an empty cage at home , and longed for something to put in it ; for kittens did n't like it , and caterpillars and beetlebugs got away . He chose the biggest bird , and , holding him carefully , walked away to find Polly . The poor mother-bird chirped and fluttered in great distress ; but Will kept on till his little shadow came before him , and tried to make him turn back . `` No , no , I want him , '' said Will . `` I wo n't hurt him , and his mother has three left : she wo n't mind if I take one . '' 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 XXXXX stopped to pick some .
Ned Polly Will baby-bird beetlebugs left minute mother-bird oars right