`` The calf does n't know its own mother with that thing on , '' laughed Ned . `` How brave and kind you were to come back and save me ! I 'd have been deaded if you had n't , '' said Will , looking at his brother and sister with his little face full of grateful admiration . They turned towards home after this flurry , feeling quite like heroes . When they came to the corner where two roads met , Ned proposed they should take the river-road ; for , though the longest , it was much the pleasantest . `` We sha n't be home at supper-time , '' said Polly . `` You wo n't be able to do your jobs , Ned , nor I mine , and Will 's chickens will have to go to bed hungry . '' `` Never mind : it 's a holiday , so let 's enjoy it , and not bother , '' answered Ned . `` We promised mamma we 'd come home early , '' said Will . They stood looking at the two roads , -- one sandy , hot , and hilly ; the other green and cool and level , along the river-side . They all chose the pleasant path , and walked on till Ned cried out , `` Why , where are our shadows ? '' They looked behind , before , and on either side ; but nowhere could they see them . `` They were with us at the corner , '' said Will . `` Let 's run back , and try to find them , '' said Polly . `` No , let 'em go : I 'm tired of minding mine , and do n't care if I never see it again , '' said Ned . `` Do n't say so ; for I remember hearing about a man who sold his shadow , and then got into lots of trouble because he had none . We promised to follow them , and we must , '' said Polly . `` I wish , '' began Ned in a pet ; but Polly clapped her hand over his mouth , saying : `` Pray , do n't wish now ; for it may come to pass as the man 's wish in the fairy tale did , and the black pudding flew up and stuck tight to his wife 's nose . '' This made Ned laugh , and they all turned back to the corner . Looking up the hilly road , they saw the three shadows trudging along , as if bent on getting home in good time .
Without saying a word , the children followed ; and , when they got to the garden gate , they all said at once : `` Are n't you glad you XXXXX ? ''
Let came clapped laughed looked made mind sha take trudging