`` Do n't be alarmed : they wo n't hurt you , '' said a soft voice . `` To-day is midsummer-day , and whoever wishes a wish can have it till midnight . You want to see your shadows by themselves ; and you can , if you promise to follow them as they have followed you so long . They will not get you into harm ; so you may safely try it , if you like . Do you agree for the day to do as they do , and so have your wish ? '' `` Yes , we promise , '' answered the children . `` Tell no one till night , and be faithful shadows to the shadows . '' The voice was silent , but with more funny little bows the shadows began to move off in different directions . The children knew their own : for Ned 's was the tallest , and had its hands in its pockets ; Polly 's had a frock on , and two bows where its hair was tied up ; while Will 's was a plump little shadow in a blouse , with a curly head and a pug nose . Each child went after its shadow , laughing , and enjoying the fun . Ned 's master went straight to the shed , took down a basket , and marched away to the garden , where it began to move its hands as if busily picking peas . Ned stopped laughing when he saw that , and looked rather ashamed ; for he remembered that his mother had asked him to do that little job for her , and he had answered , -- `` Oh , bother the old peas ! I 'm busy , and I ca n't . '' `` Who told you about this ? '' he asked , beginning to work . The shadow shook its head , and pointed first to Ned 's new jacket , then to a set of nice garden tools near by , and then seemed to blow a kiss from its shadowy fingers towards mamma , who was just passing the open gate . `` Oh ! you mean that she does lots for me ; so I ought to do what I can for her , and love her dearly , '' said Ned , getting a pleasanter face every minute . The shadow nodded , and worked away as busily as the bees , tumbling heels over head in the great yellow squash blossoms , and getting as dusty as little millers . Somehow Ned rather liked the work , with such an odd comrade near by ; for , though the shadow did n't really help a bit , it seemed to try , and set an excellent example .
When the basket was full , the shadow took one handle , and XXXXX the other ; and they carried it in .
Ned Polly Will midnight millers minute night one pug set