Page:Story of the robins.djvu/181

Rh By this time the party were advanced pretty near to the farmyard, and Frederick espied one of the cows peeping over the gate; on which, with a countenance expressive of fear, he ran hastily to his mamma, and asked her whether cows could toss people over gates and hedges. " What a silly question, Frederick!" said she: "pray look again, and you will perceive that it is impossible for such large heavy creatures to do so; and these enclosures are made on purpose to confine them within proper bounds. But did you not boast just now that 'you could ride on the horns of one of them'? That I shall not require you to do, for it would very likely make the creature angry, because cows are not accustomed to carry any load upon their heads; neither would I allow you to run after them with a stick, or to make any attempt to frighten them; but if you approach as a friend, I make no doubt you will be received as such. So summon your courage, and attend us; the cows will not hurt you, I can assure you."

Neddy Wilson then began laughing, from the idea that a boy should be afraid of a cow, which made Frederick ashamed of himself and quitting his mamma's gown, by which he had held fast while she was speaking, he laid fast hold of Neddy's hand, and