Slowly, looking this way and that way with fear and suspicion in
his eyes, a handsome Duck came out from under the pile of brush.
"Yes," said he in a low voice, "I am Mr. Quack. Where is Mrs.
Quack?"

"Safe and sound over on the Big River," replied Sammy joyfully.
"Oh, I'm so glad I've found you!"




XVIII

SAMMY JAY SENDS MRS. QUACK TO THE SWAMP


When Sammy Jay left Mr. Quack in the swamp over by the bank of the
Big River, he flew straight back to the Smiling Pool. At first he
thought of flying out over the Big River and screaming the news to
Mrs. Quack, who, you know, was swimming about out there. But he
knew that if he did, she would very likely fly right over where Mr.
Quack was, and that wouldn't do at all. No, indeed, that wouldn't
do at all. One of the hunters would be sure to see her. So Sammy
wisely flew back to the Smiling Pool to wait until Mrs. Quack should
come back there for the night.

Of course he told Peter Rabbit all about Mr. Quack, and Peter was
so delighted at the thought that Mr. Quack was alive that he capered
about in quite the craziest way. "Does Mrs. Quack know yet?" asked
Peter.