`` I shall eat sassafras . I know a big tree of it , and Dan told me how squirrels dig up the roots and eat them , and I love to dig , '' returned Rob , undaunted by the prospect of starvation . `` Yes ; and we can catch frogs , and cook them . My father ate some once , and he said they were nice , '' put in Nan , beginning to find a spice of romance even in being lost in a huckleberry pasture . `` How could we cook frogs ? we have n't got any fire . '' `` I do n't know ; next time I 'll have matches in my pocket , '' said Nan , rather depressed by this obstacle to the experiment in frog-cookery . `` Could n't we light a fire with a fire-fly ? '' asked Rob , hopefully , as he watched them flitting to and fro like winged sparks . `` Let 's try ; '' and several minutes were pleasantly spent in catching the flies , and trying to make them kindle a green twig or two . `` It 's a lie to call them fire-flies when there is n't a fire in them , '' Nan said , throwing one unhappy insect away with scorn , though it shone its best , and obligingly walked up and down the twigs to please the innocent little experimenters . `` Marmar 's a good while coming , '' said Rob , after another pause , during which they watched the stars overhead , smelt the sweet fern crushed under foot , and listened to the crickets ' serenade . `` I do n't see why God made any night ; day is so much pleasanter , '' said Nan , thoughtfully . `` It 's to sleep in , '' answered Rob , with a yawn . `` Then do go to sleep , '' said Nan , pettishly . `` I want my own bed . Oh , I wish I could see Teddy ! '' cried Rob , painfully reminded of home by the soft chirp of birds safe in their little nests . `` I do n't believe your mother will ever find us , '' said Nan , who was becoming desperate , for she hated patient waiting of any sort . `` 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 XXXXX , standing up to peer into the gloom for the help which never failed him .
Marmar Nan Rob chirp day fro frog-cookery night starvation twig