It did seem so, and climbing up the grassy bank, the duck waddled directly to the little girl’s side.
“Oh, you dear ducky-darling!” she exclaimed. “And you’re the little lame one I fed the other day, aren’t you? See, Sardis! he’s lame just a wee bit when he walks.”
“Quack! quack!” said the duck.
Dolly gave up the greater part of her sandwich, for the bird had a holiday appetite, and as soon as one morsel was down he quacked for more.
“Isn’t his neck a lovely green!” the child cried. “And isn’t he tame and beautiful!”
Sardis and the others admired and marveled to Dolly’s content. And then, she suddenly gave a shout of joy.
“Oh, the rest are coming! Look at the V’s! One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight! Eight ducks more! And there is the great goose!” as a big bird swam out to join his comrades.
They were all counting on their noon luncheon.
“It is well we brought a good supply,” laughed Lilith.
“We’ll need it—look!” Dr. Abbe pointed his thumb backward.