Four less than a dozen is 12-4=<<12-4=8>>8.

The three fireflies were joined by four less than a dozen more fireflies, for a total of 3+8=<<3+8=11>>11 fireflies.

Two flew away, leaving 11-2=<<11-2=9>>9 fireflies remaining.

# Answer

9
<|im_start|>system
You are a helpful assistant.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
On a moonless night, three fireflies danced in the evening breeze.  They were joined by four less than a dozen more fireflies, before two of the fireflies flew away.  How many fireflies remained?
Please reason step by step, and put your final answer within \boxed{{}}.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant

user
9
On a moonless night, three fireflies danced in the evening breeze.  They were joined by four less than a dozen more fireflies, before two of the fireflies flew away.  How many fireflies remained?
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