`` 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 Nan , who feared no animal but a bear , was fired with a desire to milk her . `` Silas taught me how ; and berries and milk would be so nice , '' she said , emptying the contents of her pail into her hat , and boldly beginning her new task , while Rob stood by and repeated , at her command , the poem from Mother Goose : `` Cushy cow , bonny , let down your milk , Let down your milk to me , And I will give you a gown of silk , A gown of silk and a silver tee . '' But the immortal rhyme had little effect , for the benevolent cow had already been milked , and had only half a gill to give the thirsty children . `` Shoo ! get away ! you are an old cross patch , '' cried Nan , ungratefully , as she gave up the attempt in despair ; and poor Molly walked on with a gentle gurgle of surprise and reproof . `` Each can have a sip , and then we must take a walk . We shall go to sleep if we do n't ; and lost people must n't sleep . Do n't you know how Hannah Lee in the pretty story slept under the snow and died ? ''
`` But there is n't any snow now , and it 's nice and warm , '' said Rob , who was not blessed with as lively a fancy as XXXXX .
Lee Molly Moo Mother Nan Rob Robby Silas bonny ice-house