Part 2 (2/2)
Robbie squared himself, raised his spurs and waited for Sid to rise.
Sid was in no hurry. He had enough. He hadn't cried. But he was close to it.
”Ye needn't put up dem spurs at me no mo'.”
”Come on again!” Robbie challenged.
”Na, sah. I'se done dead. Ye stick dat spur clean froo me. Hit mighty nigh come out on de odder side!”
”Got enough?”
The game was suddenly ended by a barefoot white boy approaching Robbie.
Johnny Doyle carried a dozen teal ducks, six in each hand. They were so heavy for his hands that their heads dragged the ground.
Robbie rushed to meet his friend.
”Oh, John, where'd you get the ducks?”
”Me and daddy killed 'em this mornin' at sun-up on the river.”
”Why, the duck season isn't on yet, is it?” Custis asked the boy.
”No, sir, but daddy saw a big raft of teal swingin' into the bend of the river yesterday and we got up before daylight and got a mess.”
”You brought 'em to me, John?” Robbie asked eagerly.
”Jes the same, Robbie. Dad sent 'em to Colonel Lee.”
”That's fine of your daddy, John,” Custis said, placing his hand on the little bare sunburnt head.
”Yessir, my daddy says Colonel Lee's the greatest man in this county and he's mighty proud to be his neighbor.”
”Tell him my father will thank him personally before we leave and say for all that he has given us a treat.”
Custis handed the ducks to Sid.
”Take them to the kitchen and tell Aunt Hannah to have them for dinner, sure.”
Sid started for the kitchen and Robbie called after him:
”Hurry back, Sid--”
”Ya.s.sah--right away, sah!”
Robbie seized John's hand.
”You'll stay all day?”
<script>