Mrs. Quack shivered at that , and Blacky saw it . He chuckled softly . You know he dearly loves to make others uncomfortable . `` I saw three hunters over on the edge of the Big River early this very morning , '' said he . Mrs. Quack looked more anxious than ever . Blacky 's sharp eyes noted this . `` That is why I came over here , '' he added kindly . `` I wanted to give you warning . '' `` But you did n't know the Quacks were here ! '' spoke up Peter . `` True enough , Peter . True enough , '' replied Blacky , his eyes twinkling . `` But I thought they might be . I had heard a rumor that those who go south are traveling earlier than usual this fall , so I knew I might find Mr. and Mrs. Quack over here any time now . Is it true , Mrs. Quack , that we are going to have a long , hard , cold winter ? '' `` That is what they say up in the Far North , '' replied Mrs. Quack . `` And it is true that Jack Frost had started down earlier than usual . That is how it happens we are here now . But about those hunters over by the Big River , do you suppose they will come over here ? '' There was an anxious note in Mrs. Quack 's voice .
`` No , '' replied XXXXX promptly .
Blacky Frost Mr. Mrs. Peter Quack River hunters morning winter