Far down the Big River the hunter saw a swiftly moving black line just above the water . `` Here they come , '' he muttered , as he eagerly watched that black line draw nearer . Twice those big black birds circled around over the Big River opposite where the hunter was crouching behind his blind . It was plain that Dusky , their leader , remembered Blacky 's warning the night before . But this time there was no warning . Everything appeared safe . Once more the flock circled and then headed straight for that place where they hoped to find more corn . The hunter crouched lower . They were almost near enough for him to shoot when `` bang , bang '' went a gun a short distance away . Instantly Dusky and his flock turned and on swift wings swung off and up the river . If ever there was a disappointed hunter , it was the one crouching in that blind . `` Somebody else is hunting , and he spoiled my shot that time , '' he muttered . `` He must have a blind farther down . Probably some other Ducks I did n't see came in to him . I wonder if he got them . Here 's hoping that next time those Ducks come in here first . '' He once more made himself comfortable and settled down for a long wait . The Black Shadows crept out from the farther bank of the Big River . Jolly , round red Mr. Sun had gone to bed , and the first little star was twinkling high overhead . It was very still and peaceful .
From out in the middle of the Big River sounded a low `` quack '' ; XXXXX and his flock were swimming in this time .
Blacky Dusky Mr. River Somebody Sun before first leader warning