sibility."

"Will winter soon be here?" asked Peter eagerly.

"Rough Brother North Wind and Jack Frost were right behind us," replied
Honker. "You know we stay in the Far North just as long as we can.
Already the place where we nested is frozen and covered with snow. For
the first part of the journey we kept only just ahead of the snow and
ice, but as we drew near to where men make their homes we were forced to
make longer journeys each day, for the places where it is safe to feed
and rest are few and far between. Now we shall hurry on until we reach
the place in the far-away South where we will make our winter home."

Just then Honker was interrupted by wild, strange sounds from the middle
of the Great River. It sounded like crazy laughter. Peter jumped at the
sound, but Honker merely chuckled. "It's Dippy the Loon," said he. "He
spent the summer in the Far North not far from us. He started south just
before we did."

"I wish he would come in here so that I can get a good look at him and
make his acquaintance," said Peter.

"He may, but I doubt it," replied Honker. "He and his mate are great
people to keep by themselves. Then, too, they don't have to come ashore
for food. You know Dippy feeds altogether on fish. He really has an
easier time on the long journey than we do, because he can get his food
without running so much risk of being shot by the terrible hunters. He
practically lives on the water. He's about the most awkward fellow on
land of any one I know."

"Why should he be any more awkward on land then you?" asked Peter, his
curiosity aroused at once.

"Because," replied Honker, "Old Mother Nature has given him very short
legs and has placed them so far back on his body that he can't keep his
balance to walk, and has to use his wings and bill to help him over the
ground. On shore he is about the most helpless thing you can imagine.
But on water he is another fellow altogether. He's just as much at home
under water as on top. My, how that fellow can dive! When he sees the
flash of a gun he will get under water before the shot can reach him.
That's where he has the advantage of us Geese. You know we can't dive.
He could swim clear across this river under water if he wanted to, and
he can go so fast under water that he can catch a fish. It is because
his legs have been placed so far back that he can swim so fast. You know
his feet are nothing but big paddles. Another funny thing is that he can
sink right d