`` Mercy , me ! '' cried Polly , staring at them . `` By Jove , that 's odd ! '' said Ned , looking queer . `` Are they alive ? '' asked Will , a little frightened . `` 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 ? ''
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