“What is it?” demanded Mrs. Quack eagerly, and it seemed to Peter that there was a wee bit of hope in her voice.
“Did you happen to notice that just before the Laughing Brook joins the Big River it flows through a little swamp?” asked Sammy.
Mrs. Quack nodded her head rapidly. “What of it?” she demanded.
“Nothing much, only if I were you I would go down there after dark,” replied Sammy.
Mrs. Quack looked up at Sammy sharply. “Why should I go down there?” she asked.
“If I tell you, will you wait until I get quite through?” asked Sammy in his turn.
Mrs. Quack promised that she would.
“Well, then,” replied Sammy, “this afternoon I found a stranger hiding in there, a stranger with a beautiful green head and neck and a white collar.”
“Mr. Quack! Oh, it was Mr. Quack!” cried Mrs. Quack joyfully and lifted her wings as if she would start for the swamp at once.
“Stop!” cried Sammy sharply. “You said you would wait until I am through. It won't do for you to go there until after dark, because there is a hunter hiding very near Mr. Quack's hiding-place. Wait until it is dark and he has gone home. Then take my advice, and when you have found Mr. Quack, bring him right up here to the Smiling Pool. He can't fly, but he can swim up the Laughing Brook, and this is the safest place for both of you. Now good night and good luck.”