cried Bab , charmed with the new drama in which she could act the leading parts . `` No , it wo n't ! I do n't like to go in a cobwebby hole , and have you play kill me , I 'll make a nice fort of hay , and be all safe , and you can put Dinah down there for Matty . I do n't love her any more , now her last eye has tumbled out , and you may shoot her just as much as yon like . '' Before Bab could agree to this satisfactory arrangement , Thorny appeared , singing , as he aimed at a fat robin , whose red waistcoat looked rather warm and winterish that August day , -- `` So he took up his bow , And he feathered his arrow , And said , ' I will shoot This little cock-sparrow . ' '' `` But he did n't , '' chirped the robin , flying away , with a contemptuous flirt of his rusty-black tail . `` That is exactly what you must promise not to do , boys . Fire away at your targets as much as you like , but do not harm any living creature , '' said Miss Celia , as Ben followed armed and equipped with her own long-unused accoutrements . `` Of course we wo n't if you say so ; but , with a little practice , I could bring down a bird as well as that fellow you read to me about with his woodpeckers and larks and herons , '' answered Thorny , who had much enjoyed the article , while his sister lamented over the destruction of the innocent birds . `` You 'd do well to borrow the Squire 's old stuffed owl for a target ; there would be some chance of your hitting him , he is so big , '' said his sister , who always made fun of the boy when he began to brag . Thorny 's only reply was to send his arrow straight up so far out of sight that it was a long while coming down again to stick quivering in the ground near by , whence Sancho brought it in his mouth , evidently highly approving of a game in which he could join . `` Not bad for a beginning . Now , Ben , fire away . '' But Ben 's experience with bows was small , and , in spite of his praiseworthy efforts to imitate his great exemplar , the arrow only turned a feeble sort of somersault and descended perilously near Bab 's uplifted nose . `` If you endanger other people 's life and liberty in your pursuit of happiness , I shall have to confiscate your arms , boys . Take the orchard for your archery ground ; that is safe , and we can see you as we sit here . I wish I had two hands , so that I could paint you a fine , gay target ; '' and Miss Celia looked regretfully at the injured arm , which as yet was of little use . `` I wish you could shoot , too ; you used to beat all the girls , and I was proud of you , '' answered Thorny , with the air of a fond elder brother ; though , at the time he alluded to , he was about twelve , and hardly up to his sister 's shoulder . `` Thank you . I shall be happy to give my place to Bab and Betty if you will make them some bows and arrows ; they could not use those long ones . ''
The young gentlemen did not take the hint as quickly as Miss XXXXX hoped they would ; in fact , both looked rather blank at the suggestion , as boys generally do when it is proposed that girls -- especially small ones -- shall join in any game they are playing .
Bab Celia Dinah Matty Sancho Squire day fire rusty-black woodpeckers