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. “O-h!” screamed Dolly, “the dear little doves!” A small flock of pigeons had alighted near. They were tamer than the ducks. They fluttered about the child. One bird perched on her shoulder, another on her knee; the most venturesome flew to her wrist and reached for a bit of the bread in her hand. Dolly sat breathless, her little face radiant. “I wish I had my camera,” whispered Lilith. Dolly suddenly turned towards her brother whir-r-r-r! The child stared in wonderment. “What made them fly away?” she asked. “Which do you like best,” questioned Lilith, “pigeons or ducks?” “My little lame duck!” answered Dolly promptly, bestowing upon the bird a generous bit. “Oh, the naughty thing!” she cried, as another duck caught up the dainty and then pecked and chased away the afflicted one. But Dolly’s pet returned, and with the aid of Sardis the child gave it a good meal. The half-circle of quacking beggars became vociferous, and Dolly fed them until her sandwiches must needs be often replaced, and the giver herself would have been in danger of going hungry if some one had not given out food with a prodigal hand. Finally the luncheon was over, and the little girl--with a flourish of her small hands--told the birds that they could have no more. Promptly the ducks started off. Only the little lame one seemed reluctant to leave. “He loves me--that’s why,” announced Dolly. “All the rest care for is something to eat.” The child’s eyes followed the birds as they swam out from shore. Then she gave a little scream. “Oh, he’s drowning! he’s drowning!” she cried, as a big duck appeared to be standing on his head in the water. “Watch!” was all Sardis said. “Oh, my! he’s eating!” gasped Dolly. “He’s catching bugs! How funny!”