"Perhaps not," replied Granny, "but I learned a long time ago that
it is a poor plan to overlook any chance. There is a place in the
Big River which never freezes because the water runs too swiftly
to freeze, and I've found more than one meal washed ashore there.
You go over there now while I see what I can find in the Green
Forest. If neither of us finds anything, it will be time enough to
think about Farmer Brown's hens to-morrow."

Much against his will Reddy obeyed. "It isn't the least bit of use,"
he grumbled, as he trotted towards the Big River. "There won't be
anything there. It is just a waste of time."

Late that afternoon he came hurrying back, and Granny knew by the way
that he cocked his ears and carried his tail that he had news of some
kind. "Well, what is it?" she demanded.

"I found a dead fish that had been washed ashore," replied Reddy.
"It wasn't big enough for two, so I ate it."

"Anything else?" asked Granny.

"No-o," replied Reddy slowly; "that is, nothing that will do us any good.
Quacker the Wild Duck was swimming about out in the open water, but
though I watched and watched he never once came ashore."

"Ha!" exclaimed Granny. "That is good news. I think we'll go
Duck hunting."