"Got enough?"
The game was suddenly ended by a barefoot white boy approaching Robbie. Johnny Doyle carried a dozen teal ducks, six in each hand. They were so heavy for his hands that their heads dragged the ground.
Robbie rushed to meet his friend.
"Oh, John, where'd you get the ducks?"
"Me and daddy killed 'em this mornin' at sun-up on the river."
"Why, the duck season isn't on yet, is it?" Custis asked the boy.
"No, sir, but daddy saw a big raft of teal swingin' into the bend of the river yesterday and we got up before daylight and got a mess."
"You brought 'em to me, John?" Robbie asked eagerly.
"Jes the same, Robbie. Dad sent 'em to Colonel Lee."
"That's fine of your daddy, John," Custis said, placing his hand on the little bare sunburnt head.