midnight
`` This is a beautiful world to live in both for big and little . It is also good to be free and happy , and to have a great dome of open sky above you . '' The geese stood sleeping on a little rock islet just beyond Fjällbacka . When it drew on toward midnight , and the moon hung high in the heavens , old Akka shook the sleepiness out of her eyes . After that she walked around and awakened Yksi and Kaksi , Kolme and Neljä , Viisi and Kuusi , and , last of all , she gave Thumbietot a nudge with her bill that startled him . `` What is it , Mother Akka ? '' he asked , springing up in alarm .