Whatwerethepeopleinthebigworldlike？Hisknowledgewassoverylimited。TherehadbeenpeopleattheHome，whoexchangedastilted，perfunctorykindnessfortheirsalaries。Thevisitorswhocalledonreceivingdayshehaddividedintothreeclasses:thepsalm-singingkind，whocamewithatearintheeyeandhypocrisyineveryfeatureoftheirfaces；thekindwhodressedinsilksandjewels，andhandedtothosepoorlittlemother-hungrysoulsworntoysthattheirchildrennolongercaredfor，inexactlythesamespiritinwhichtheypitchedbiscuitstothemonkeysatthezoo，andforthesamereason——toseehowtheywouldtakethemandbeamusedbywhattheywoulddo；andthethirdclass，whomheconsideredrealpeople。Theymadehimfeeltheycaredthathewasthere，andthattheywouldhavebeengladtoseehimelsewhere。
Nowherewasanotherclass，thathadalltheyneededoftheworld\'sbestandwereengagedindoingworkthatcounted。Theyhadthingsworthwhiletobeproudof；andtheyhadmethimasasonandbrother。
Withthemhecould，fortheonlytimeinhislife，forgetthelosthandthateverydaytorturedhimwithanewpang。Whatkindofpeopleweretheyandwheredidtheybelongamongtheclassesheknew？Hefailedtodecide，becauseheneverhadknownotherssimilartothem；buthowhelovedthem！
Intheworldwherehewasgoingsoon，werethemajoritylikethem，orweretheyofthehypocriteandbun-throwingclasses？
Hehadforgottentheexcitementofthemorningandthepassingoftimewhendistantvoicesarousedhim，andhegentlyliftedhishead。
Nearerandnearertheycame，andastheheavywagonsrumbleddowntheeasttrailhecouldhearthemplainly。ThegangwereshoutingthemselveshoarsefortheLimberlostguard。Frecklesdidnotfeelthathedeservedit。Hewouldhavegivenmuchtoheabletogotothemenandexplain，buttoMcLeanonlycouldhetellhisstory。
AtthesightofFrecklesthementhrewuptheirhatsandcheered。
McLeanshookhandswithhimwarmly，butbigDuncangatheredhimintohisarmsandhuggedhimasabearandchokedoverafewwordsofpraise。Thegangdroveinandfinishedfellingthetree。
McLeanwasangrybeyondmeasureatthisattemptonhisproperty，forintheirhastetofellthetreethethieveshadcuttoohighandwastedafootandahalfofvaluabletimber。
Whenthelastwagonrolledaway，McLeansatonthestumpandFrecklestoldthestoryhewasachingtotell。TheBossscarcelycouldbelievehissenses。Also，hewasmuchdisappointed。
\"Ihavebeenalmostprayingallthewayover，Freckles，\"hesaid，\"thatyouwouldhavesomeevidencebywhichwecouldarrestthosefellowsandgetthemoutofourway，butthiswillneverdo。
Wecan\'tmixupthosewomeninit。Theyhavehelpedyousavemethetreeandmywageraswell。Goingacrossthecountryasshedoes，theBirdWomannevercouldbeexpectedtotestifyagainstthem。\"
\"No，indeed；northeAngel，either，sir，\"saidFreckles。
\"TheAngel？\"queriedtheastonishedMcLean。
TheBosslistenedinsilencewhileFrecklestoldofthecomingandchristeningoftheAngel。
\"Iknowherfatherwell，\"saidMcLeanatlast，\"andIhaveoftenseenher。Youareright；sheisabeautifulyounggirl，andsheappearstobeutterlyfreefromtheleastparticleoffalseprideorfoolishness。Idonotunderstandwhyherfatherriskssuchajewelinthisplace。\"
\"He\'sdaringitbecausesheisajewel，sir，\"saidFreckles，eagerly。
\"Why，she\'strustingarattlesnaketorattlebeforeitstrikesher，andofcourse，shethinksshecantrustmankindaswell。Themanisn\'tmadewhowouldn\'tlaydownthelifeofhimforher。Shedoesn\'tneedanycare。Herfaceandtheprettywaysofherarealltheprotectionshewouldneedinabandofhowlingsavages。\"
\"Didyousayshehandledoneoftherevolvers？\"askedMcLean。
\"Shescaredallthebreathoutofmebody，\"admittedFreckles。
\"Seemsthatherfatherhastaughthertoshoot。TheBirdWomantoldherdistinctlytolielowandblazeawayhigh，justtohelpscarethem。
Thespunkylittlethingfollowedthemrightoutintothewestroad，spittingleadlikehail，andclippingallaroundtheheadsandheelsofthem；andI\'mdamned，sir，ifIbelieveshe\'dcaredarapifshe\'dhit。Ineversawmuchshooting，butifthatwasn\'tthenearesttomissIeverwanttosee！Scaredthelifenearoutofmebodywiththefearthatshe\'ddroponeofthem。AslongasI\'dnoonetohelpmebutacoupleofwomenthatdidn\'tdarebemixedupinit，allIcoulddowastoletthemgetaway。\"
\"Now，willtheycomeback？\"askedMcLean。
\"Ofcourse！\"saidFreckles。\"They\'renotgoingtobetakingthat。
Youcouldstakeyourlifeonit，they\'llbecomingback。Atleast，BlackJackwill。Wessnermaynothavethepluck，unlessheishalfdrunk。Thenhe\'dbeaterror。Andthenexttime——\"
Freckleshesitated。
\"What？\"
\"Itwillbeaquestionofwhoshootsfirstandstraightest。\"
\"Thentheonlythingformetodoistodoubletheguardandbringthegangherethefirstminutepossible。AssoonasIfeelthatwehavetherarestofthestuffoutbelow，wewillcome。Thefactis，inmanycases，untilitisfelledit\'sdifficulttotellwhatatreewillprovetobe。Itwon\'tdotoleaveyouherelongeralone。
Jackhasbeenshootingtwentyyearstoyourone，anditstandstoreasonthatyouarenomatchforhim。Whoofthegangwouldyoulikebesttohavewithyou？\"
\"Noone，sir，\"saidFrecklesemphatically。\"NexttimeiswhereIrun。
Iwon\'ttrytofightthemalone。I\'lljustbegettingwindofthem，andthenmaketracksforyou。I\'llneedtocomelikelightning，andDuncanhasnoextrahorse，soI\'mthinkingyou\'dbestgetmeone——orperhapsawheelwouldbebetter。IusedtodoextraworkfortheHomedoctor，andhewouldletmetakehisbicycletoridearoundtheplace。Andattimestheheadnursewouldloanmehisforanhour。Awheelwouldcostlessandbefasterthanahorse，andwouldtakelesscare。Ibelieve，ifyouaregoingtotownsoon，youhadbestpickupanykindofanoldoneatsomesecond-handstore，forifI\'mevercalledtouseitinahurrytherewon\'tbethehandlebarsleftaftercrossingthecorduroy。\"
\"Yes，\"saidMcLean；\"andifyoudidn\'thaveafirst-classwheel，younevercouldcrossthecorduroyonitatall。\"
Astheywalkedtothecabin，McLeaninsistedonanotherguard，butFreckleswasstubbornlysetonfightinghisbattlealone。Hemadeonementalcondition。IftheBirdWomanwasgoingtogiveuptheLittleChickenseries，hewouldyieldtothesecondguard，solelyforthesakeofherworkandthepresenceoftheAngelintheLimberlost。Hedidnotproposetohaveasecondmanunlessitwereabsolutelynecessary，forhehadbeenalonesolongthathelovedthesolitude，hischickens，andflowers。Thethoughtofhavingastrangertoallhiswayscomeandmeddlewithhisarrangements，frightenhispets，pullhisflowers，andinterrupthimwhenhewantedtostudy，soannoyedhimthathewasblindedtohisrealneedforhelp。
WithMcLeanitwasacaseoflettinghissober，betterjudgmentbeoverriddenbytheboyhewasgrowingsotolovethathecouldnotenduretoopposehim，andtohaveFreckleskeephistrustandwinalonemeantmorethananymoneytheBossmightlose。
ThefollowingmorningMcLeanbroughtthewheel，andFrecklestookittothetrailtotestit。Itwasnew，chainless，withaslittleaspossibletocatchinhurriedriding，andineverywaythebestofitskind。Freckleswentskimmingaroundthetrailonitonapreliminarytripbeforehelockeditinhiscaseandstartedhisminuteexaminationofhislineonfoot。Heglancedaroundhisroomasheleftit，andthenstoodstaring。
OnthemossbeforehisprettiestseatlaytheAngel\'shat。Intheexcitementofyesterdayallofthemhadforgottenit。Hewentandpickeditup，oh！socarefully，gazingatitwithhungryeyes，buttouchingitonlytocarryittohiscase，wherehehungitontheshininghandlebarofthenewwheelandlockeditamonghistreasures。
Thenhewenttothetrail，withanewexpressiononhisfaceandastrangethrobbinginhisheart。Hewasnotintheleastafraidofanythingthatmorning。HefelthewastheveriestDaniel，butallhislionsseemedweakandharmless。
WhatBlackJack\'snextmovewouldbehecouldnotimagine，butthattherewouldbeamoveofsomekindwascertain。Thebigbullywasnotamantogiveuphispurpose，ortohavethehatsweptfromhisheadwithabulletandbearitmeekly。Moreover，WessnerwouldclingtohisrevengewithaDutchman\'ssinglenessofmind。
Frecklestriedtothinkconnectedly，butthereweretoomanyplacesonthetrailwheretheAngel\'sfootprintswerevetvisible。Shehadsteppedinonemuckyspotandleftasharpimpression。Theafternoonsunhadbakedithard，andthehorses\'hoofshadnotobliteratedanypartofit，astheyhadinsomanyplaces。Frecklesstoodfascinated，gazingatit。Hemeasureditlovinglywithhiseye。
Hewouldnothaveventuredacaressonherhatanymorethanonherperson，butthiswasdifferent。Surelyafootprintonatrailmightbelongtoanyonewhofoundandwantedit。Hestoopedunderthewiresandenteredtheswamp。Withalittlesearching，hefoundabigpieceofthickbarklooseonalogandcarefullypeelingit，carrieditoutandcoveredtheprintsothatthefirstrainwouldnotobliterateit。
Whenhereachedhisroom，hetenderlylaidthehatuponhisbookshelf，andtowearoffhisawkwardness，mountedhiswheelandwentspinningontrailagain。Itwaslikeflying，forthepathwaswornsmoothwithhisfeetandbakedhardwiththesunalmostalltheway。Whenhecametothebark，heveeredfartoonesideandsmiledatitinpassing。Suddenlyhewasoffthewheel，kneelingbesideit。Heremovedhishat，carefullyliftedthebark，andgazedlovinglyattheimprint。
\"Iwonderwhatshewasgoingtosayofmevoice，\"hewhispered。
\"Shenevergotitsaid，butfromthefaceofher，Ibelieveshewaslikingitfairlywell。PerhapsshewasgoingtosaythatsingingwasthebigthingIwastobedoing。That\'swhattheyallthoughtattheHome。Well，ifitis，I\'lljustshutmeeyes，thinkofmelittleroom，thefaceofherwatching，andtheheartofherbeating，andI\'llraisethem。Damnthem，ifsingingwilldoit，I\'llraisethemfromthebenches！\"
Withthisdirethreat，Frecklesknelt，asatawaysidespring，anddeliberatelylaidhislipsonthefootprint。Thenhearose，appearingasifhehadbeendrinkingatthefountainofgladness。
CHAPTERVIII
WhereinFrecklesMeetsaManofAffairsandLosesNothingbytheEncounter\"Weel，Ibedrawedon！\"exclaimedMrs。Duncan。
Frecklesstoodbeforeher，holdingtheAngel\'shat。
\"I\'vebeenthinkingthislongtimethatyeorDuncanwouldseethatsunbonnetswerenabrawenoughforawomanofmystanding，andye\'reaguidladdietobringmethisbeautifulhat。\"
Sheturneditaround，examiningtheweaveofthestrawandthefoliagetrimmings，passingherroughfingersoverthesatintiesdelightedly。Asshehelditup，admiringit，Freckles\'
astonishedeyessawanewsideofSarahDuncan。Shewasjesting，butunderthejestthefactloomedstrongthat，thoughpoor，overworked，andwithnonebutGod-givenrefinement，therewassomethinginhersoulcryingafterthatbitoffemininefinery，anditmadehisheartacheforher。Heresolvedthatwhenhereachedthecityhewouldsendherahat，ifittookfiftydollarstodoit。
Shelingeringlyhandeditbacktohim。
\"It\'suncoguidofyetothinkofme，\"shesaidlightly，\"butImaunquestionyourtasteawee。D\'yenothinkyehadbestreturnthisandgetawomanwithhalfherhairgrayalittleplainerheaddress？
Seemslikethat\'sfarowergayforme。I\'mno\'sayingthatit\'sno\'exactlywhatI\'dliketohae，butImaunamakmysel\'ridiculous。
Ye\'dbestgivethistosomebodyyoungandpretty，sayaboutsixteen。
Wheredidyecomebyit，Freckles？Ifthere\'sanythingbeendroppinglately，yehaeforgottentomentionit。\"
\"Doyouseeanythingheavenlyaboutthathat？\"queriedFreckles，holdingitup。
Themorningbreezewavedtheribbonsgracefully，bindingonearoundFreckles\'sleeveandtheotheracrosshischest，wheretheycaughtandclungasifmagnetized。
\"Yes，\"saidSarahDuncan。\"It\'sverraplainandsimple，butitjuistmakesyefeelthatit\'sallofthefineststuff。It\'sexactlywhatI\'dcallaheavenlyhat。\"
\"Sure，\"saidFreckles，\"forit\'sbelongingtoanAngel！\"
Thenhetoldheraboutthehatandaskedherwhatheshoulddowithit。
\"Takeittoher，ofcourse！\"saidSarahDuncan。\"Likeit\'stheonlyaneshehasandshemayneeditbadly。\"
Frecklessmiled。HehadaclearideaaboutthehatbeingtheonlyonetheAngelhad。However，therewasathinghefeltheshoulddoandwantedtodo，buthewasnotsure。
\"YouthinkImightbetakingithome？\"hesaid。
\"Ofcourseyemust，\"saidMrs。Duncan。\"Andwithoutanotherhour\'sdelay。It\'sbeenheretwodaysnoo，andshemaywantit，andbetoobusyorafraidtocome。\"
\"ButhowcanItakeit？\"askedFreckles。
\"Gangspinningonyourwheel。Yecandoiteasyinanhour。\"
\"Butinthathour，whatif——？\"
\"Nonsense！\"interruptedSarahDuncan。\"Ye\'vewatchedthattimber-lineuntilye\'regrownfasttoit，lad。GivemeyourbootsandclubandI\'llgaewalkthesouthendandwatchdoontheeastandwestsidesuntilyecomeback。\"
\"Mrs。Duncan！Youneverwouldbedoingit，\"criedFreckles。
\"Whynot？\"inquiredshe。
\"Butyouknowyou\'remortalafraidofsnakesandalotofotherthingsintheswamp。\"
\"Iamafraidofsnakes，\"saidMrs。Duncan，\"butlikelythey\'vegoneintotheswampthishotweather。I\'lljuiststayonthetrailandwatch，andyemighthurrytheleastbit。Theday\'ssobrightitfeelslikestorm。IcanputthebairnsonthewoodpiletoplayuntilIgetback。Yegangawaandtaketheblessedlittleangelherbeautifulhat。\"
\"Areyousureitwillbeallright？\"urgedFreckles。\"DoyouthinkifMr。McLeancamehewouldcare？\"
\"Na，\"saidMrs。Duncan；\"Idinna。Ifyeandmeagreethatathingoughttobedone，andIwatchinyourplace，why，it\'sboundtobeallrightwithMcLean。Letmepinthehatinapaper，andyejumponyourwheelandgangflying。OughtyeputonyourSabbath-dayclothes？\"
Frecklesshookhishead。Heknewwhatheshoulddo，buttherewasnouseintakingtimetotrytoexplainittoMrs。Duncanwhilehewassohurried。Heexchangedhiswading-bootsforshoes，gaveherhisclub，andwentspinningtowardtown。HeknewverywellwheretheAngellived。Hehadseenherhomemanytimes，andhepasseditagainwithoutevenraisinghiseyesfromthestreet，steeringstraightforherfather\'splaceofbusiness。
Carryingthehat，Frecklespassedalonglineofclerks，andatthedooroftheprivateofficeaskedtoseetheproprietor。Whenhehadwaitedamoment，atall，spare，keen-eyedmanfacedhim，andinbrisk，nervoustonesasked:\"HowcanIserveyou，sir？\"
Freckleshandedhimthepackageandanswered，\"Bydeliveringtoyourdaughterthishat，whichshewasafterleavingatmeplacetheotherday，whenshewentawayinahurry。AndbysayingtoherandtheBirdWomanthatI\'mmorethankfulthanI\'llbehavingwordstoexpressforthebravethingstheywasdoingforme。I\'mMcLean\'sLimberlostguard，sir。\"
\"Whydon\'tyoutakeityourself？\"questionedtheManofAffairs。
Freckles\'cleargrayeyesmetthoseoftheAngel\'sfathersquarely，andheasked:\"Ifyouwereinmyplace，wouldyoutakeittoheryourself？\"
\"No，Iwouldnot，\"saidthatgentlemanquickly。
\"ThenwhyaskwhyIdidnot？\"cameFreckles\'lamb-likequery。
\"Blessme！\"saidtheAngel\'sfather。Hestaredatthepackage，thenattheliftedchinoftheboy，andthenatthepackageagain，andmuttered，\"Excuseme！\"
Frecklesbowed。
\"Itwouldbefavoringmegreatlyifyouwoulddeliverthehatandthemessage。Goodmorning，sir，\"andheturnedaway。
\"Oneminute，\"saidtheAngel\'sfather。\"SupposeIgiveyoupermissiontoreturnthishatinpersonandmakeyourownacknowledgments。\"
Frecklesstoodonemomentthinkingintently，andthenheliftedthoseeyesofunswervingtruthandasked:\"Whyshouldyou，sir？
Youarekind，indade，tomentionit，andit\'sthankingyouIamforyourgoodintintions，butmywantingtogooryourbeingwillingtohavemeain\'tprovingthatyourdaughterwouldbewantingmeorcaretobotherwithme。\"
TheAngel\'sfatherlookedkeenlyintothefaceofthisextraordinaryyoungman，forhefoundittohisliking。
\"There\'soneotherthingImeanttosay，\"saidFreckles。\"EverydayIseesomething，andattimesalotofthings，thatIthinktheBirdWomanwouldbewantingpicturesofbadly，ifsheknew。
Youmightbespeakingofittoher，andifshe\'dwantmeto，IcansendherwordwhenIfindthingsshewouldn\'tlikelygetelsewhere。\"
\"Ifthat\'sthecase，\"saidtheAngel\'sfather，\"andyoufeelunderobligationsforherassistancetheotherday，youcandischargetheminthatway。Sheisspendingallhertimeinthefieldsandwoodssearchingforsubjects。Ifyourunacrossthings，perhapsrarerthanshemayfind，aboutyourwork，itwouldsaveherthetimeshespendssearchingforsubjects，andshecouldworkinsecurityunderyourprotection。Byallmeansletherknowifyoufindsubjectsyouthinkshecoulduse，andwewilldoanythingwecanforyou，ifyouwillgiveherwhathelpyoucanandseethatsheisassafeaspossible。\"
\"It\'shungryforhumanbeingsIam，\"saidFreckles，\"andit\'slikeHeaventometohavethemcome。Ofcourse，I\'llbetellingorsendingherwordeverytimemeworkcanspareme。AnythingIcandoitwouldmakemeuncommonhappy，but\"——againtruthhadtobetold，becauseitwasFreckleswhowasspeaking——\"whenitcomestoprotectingthem，I\'driskmelife，tobesure，buteventhatmightn\'tdoanygoodinsomecases。Therearemanydangerstobereckonedwithintheswamp，sir，thatcallforeverypersontolooksharp。Iftherewasn\'treallythievingtoguardagainst，why，McLeanwouldn\'tneedbepayingoutgoodmoneyforaguard。I\'dlovethemtobecoming，andI\'lldoallIcan，butyoumustbetoldthatthere\'sdangerofthemrunningintotimberthievesagainanyday，sir。\"
\"Yes，\"saidtheAngel\'sfather，\"andIsupposethere\'sdangeroftheearthopeningupandswallowingthetownanyday，butI\'mdamnedifIquitbusinessforfearitwill，andtheBirdWomanwon\'t，either。Everyoneknowsherandherwork，andthereisnodangerintheworldofanyoneinanywaymolestingher，evenifhewerestealingafewofMcLean\'sgold-platedtrees。She\'sassafeintheLimberlostassheisathome，sofarastimberthievesareconcerned。AllIameveruneasyaboutarethesnakes，poison-
vines，andinsects；andthosearerisksshemustrunanywhere。
Youneednothesitateaminuteaboutthat。Ishallbegladtotellthemwhatyouwish。Thankyouverymuch，andgoodday，sir。\"
TherewasnowayinwhichFrecklescouldknowit，butbyfollowinghisbestinstinctsandbeingwhatheconceivedagentlemanshouldbe，hesurprisedtheManofAffairsintothinkingofhimandseeinghisfaceoverhisbooksmanytimesthatmorning；whereas，ifhehadgonetotheAngelashehadlongedtodo，herfatherneverwouldhavegivenhimasecondthought。
Onthestreethedrewadeepbreath。Howhadheacquittedhimself？
Heonlyknewthathehadliveduptohisbestimpulse，andthatisallanyonecando。Heglancedoverhiswheeltoseethatitwasallright，andjustashesteppedtothecurbtomountheheardavoicethatthrilledhimthroughandthrough:\"Freckles！OhFreckles！\"
TheAngelseparatedfromagroupoflaughing，sweet-facedgirlsandcamehurryingtohim。Shewasinsnowywhite——aquaintlittlefrock，withamarvelofsoftlacearoundherthroatandwrists。
Throughthesheersleevesofitherbeautiful，roundedarmsshoweddistinctly，anditwascutjusttothebaseofherperfectneck。
Onherheadwasapurewhitecreationoffancybraid，withfoldsonfoldsoftulle，softandsilkenascobwebs，liningthebrim；whileamassofwhiterosesclusteredagainstthegoldofherhair，creptaroundthecrown，andfellinariottohershouldersattheback。
Thereweregleamsofgoldwithsettingsofblueonherfingers，andaltogethershewasthedaintiest，sweetestsightheeverhadseen。
Freckles，standingonthecurb，forgothimselfinhiscottonshirt，corduroys，andhisbelttowhichhiswire-cutterandplierswerehanging，andgazedasamangazeswhenfirstheseesthewomanheadoreswithallhercharmsenhancedbyappropriateandbeautifulclothing。
\"OhFreckles，\"shecriedasshecametohim。\"Iwaswonderingaboutyoutheotherday。DoyouknowIneversawyouintownbefore。
Youwatchthatoldlinesoclosely！Whydidyoucome？Isthereanytrouble？AreyoujuststartingtotheLimberlost？\"
\"Icametobringyourhat，\"saidFreckles。\"Youforgotitintherushtheotherday。Ihaveleftitwithyourfather，andamessagetryingtoixprissthegratitudeofmeforhowyouandtheBirdWomanwereforhelpingmeout。\"
TheAngelnoddedgravely，thenFrecklessawthathehaddonetheproperthingingoingtoherfather。Hisheartboundeduntilitjarredhisbody，forshewassayingthatshescarcelycouldwaitforthetimetocomeforthenextpictureoftheLittleChickenseries。
\"Iwanttoheartheremainderofthatsong，andIhadn\'tevenbegunseeingyourroomyet，\"shecomplained。\"Asforsinging，ifyoucansinglikethateveryday，Inevercangetenoughofit。
IwonderifIcouldn\'tbringmybanjoandsomeofthesongsI
likebest。I\'llplayandyousing，andwe\'llputthebirdsoutofcommission。\"
Frecklesstoodonthecurbwithdroopedeyes，forhefeltthatifheliftedthemthetumultoftenderadorationinthemwouldshowandfrightenher。
\"Iwasafraidyourixperiencetheotherdaywouldscareyousothatyou\'dneverbecomingagain，\"hefoundhimselfsaying。
TheAngellaughedgaily。
\"DidIseemscared？\"shequestioned。
\"No，\"saidFreckles，\"youdidnot。\"
\"Oh，Ijustenjoyedthat，\"shecried。\"Thosehateful，stealingoldthings！Ihadabignotiontopinkoneofthem，butIthoughtmaybesomewayitwouldbebestforyouthatIshouldn\'t。Theyneededit。
Thatdidn\'tscareme；andasfortheBirdWoman，she\'saccustomedtofindingsnakes，tramps，crossdogs，sheep，cattle，andgoodnessknowswhat！Youcan\'tfrightenherwhenshe\'safterapicture。
Didtheycomeback？\"
\"No，\"saidFreckles。\"Theganggottherealittleafternoonandtookoutthetree，butImusttellyou，andyoumusttelltheBirdWoman，thatthere\'snodoubtbuttheywillbecomingback，andtheywillhavetomakeitbeforelongnow，forit\'ssoonthegangwillbetheretoworkontheswamp。\"
\"Oh，whatashame！\"criedtheAngel。\"They\'llclearoutroads，cutdownthebeautifultrees，andtearupeverything。They\'lldriveawaythebirdsandspoilthecathedral。Whentheyhavedonetheirworst，thenallthesemillscloseherewillfollowinandtakeoutthecheaptimber。Thenthelandownerswilldigafewditches，buildsomefires，andintwosummersmoretheLimberlostwillbeincornandpotatoes。\"
Theylookedateachother，andgroaneddespairinglyinunison。
\"Youlikeit，too，\"saidFreckles。
\"Yes，\"saidtheAngel，\"Iloveit。Yourroomisalittlepiecerightoutoftheheartoffairyland，andthecathedralisGod\'swork，notyours。YouonlyfounditandopenedthedoorafterHehaditcompleted。Thebirds，flowers，andvinesareallsolovely。
TheBirdWomansaysitisreallyafactthatthemallows，foxfire，iris，andliliesarelargerandofrichercoloringtherethanintheremainderofthecountry。Shesaysit\'sbecauseoftherichloamandmuck。Ihateseeingtheswamptornup，andtoyouitwillbelikelosingyourbestfriend；won\'tit？\"
\"Somethinglike，\"saidFreckles。\"Still，I\'vetheLimberlostinmeheartsothatallofitwillberealtomewhileIlive，nomatterwhattheydotoit。I\'mgladpasttellingifyouwillbecomingafewmoretimes，atleastuntilthegangarrives。PastthattimeI
don\'tallowmesilftobethinking。\"
\"Come，haveacooldrinkbeforeyoustartback，\"saidtheAngel。
\"Icouldn\'tpossibly，\"saidFreckles。\"IleftMrs。Duncanonthetrail，andshe\'sterriblyafraidofalotofthings。Ifsheevenseesabigsnake，Idon\'tknowwhatshe\'lldo。\"
\"Itwon\'ttakebutaminute，andyoucanridefastenoughtomakeupforit。Please。Iwanttothinkofsomethingfineforyou，tomakeupalittleforwhatyoudidformethatfirstday。\"
FreckleslookedinsheerwondermentintothebeautifulfaceoftheAngel。Didshetrulymeanit？Wouldshewalkdownthatstreetwithhim，crippled，homely，inmeanclothing，withthetoolsofhisoccupationonhim，andsharewithhimthetreatshewasoffering？
Hecouldnotbelieveit，evenoftheAngel。Still，injusticetothecandorofherpure，sweetface，hewouldnotthinkthatshewouldmaketheofferandnotmeanit。Shereallydidmeanjustwhatshesaid，butwhenitcametocarryingoutherofferandhesawthestaresofherfriends，thesneersofherenemies——ifsuchasshecouldhaveenemies——andheardthewhisperedjeersofthecurious，thenshewouldseehermistakeandbesorry。Itwouldbeonlyamanlythingforhimtothinkthisout，andsaveherfromtheresultsofherownblessedbignessofheart。
\"Iraillymustbeoff，\"saidFrecklesearnestly，\"butI\'mthankingyoumorethanyou\'lleverknowforyourkindness。I\'lljustbedrinkingbowlsoficythingsallmewayhomeinthethoughtsofit。\"
DowncametheAngel\'sfoot。Hereyesflashedindignantly。\"There\'snosenseinthat，\"shesaid。\"HowdoyouthinkyouwouldhavefeltwhenyouknewIwaswarmandthirstyandyouwentandbroughtmeadrinkandIwouldn\'ttakeitbecause——becausegoodnessknowswhy！
Youcanridefastertomakeupforthetime。I\'vejustthoughtoutwhatIwanttofixforyou。\"
Shesteppedtohissideanddeliberatelyslippedherhandunderhisarm——thatrightarmthatendedinanemptysleeve。
\"Youarecoming，\"shesaidfirmly。\"Iwon\'thaveit。\"
Frecklescouldnothavetoldhowhefelt，neithercouldanyoneelse。
Hisbloodriotedandhisheadswam，buthekepthiswits。Hebentoverher。
\"Pleasedon\'t，Angel，\"hesaidsoftly。\"Youdon\'tunderstand。\"
HowFrecklescametounderstandwasaproblem。
\"It\'sthis，\"hepersisted。\"Ifyourfathermetmeonthestreet，inmystationanddress，withyouonmearm，he\'dhaveeveryrighttobecaningmebeforethepeople，andnotafingerwouldIlifttostayhim。\"
TheAngel\'seyessnapped。\"Ifyouthinkmyfathercaresaboutmydoinganythingthatisrightandkind，andthatmakesmehappytodo——why，thenyoucompletelyfailedinreadingmyfather，andI\'llaskhimandjustshowyou。\"
ShedroppedFreckles\'armandturnedtowardtheentrancetothebuilding。\"Why，lookthere！\"sheexclaimed。
Herfatherstoodinabigwindowfrontingthestreet，abundleofpapersinhishand，interestedlywatchingthelittlescene，witheyesthatcomprehendedquiteasthoroughlyasifhehadheardeveryword。TheAngelcaughthisglanceandmadeadespairinglittlegesturetowardFreckles。TheManofAffairsansweredherwithalookofinfinitetenderness。Henoddedhisheadandwavedthepapersinthedirectionshehadindicated，andtheveriestdoltcouldhavereadthewordshislipsformed:\"Takehimalong！\"
AsuddentremblingseizedFreckles。AtsightoftheAngel\'sfatherhehadsteppedbackasfarfromherashecould，leanedthewheelagainsthim，andsnatchedoffhishat。
TheAngelturnedonhimwithtriumphingeyes。
Shewashighlystrungandnotaccustomedtobeingthwarted。
\"DidYouseethat？\"shedemanded。\"Nowareyousatisfied？
Willyoucome，ormustIcallapolicemantobringyou？\"
Freckleswent。Therewasnothingelsetodo。Guidinghiswheel，hewalkeddownthestreetbesideher。Oneveryhandshewaskeptbusygivingandreceivingthecheeriestgreetings。Shewalkedintotheparlorsexactlyasifsheownedthem。Aclerkcamehurryingtomeether。
\"There\'satablevacantbesideawindowwhereitiscool。I\'llsaveitforyou，\"andhestartedback。
\"Pleasenot，\"saidtheAngel。\"I\'vetakenthismanunawares，whenhe\'sinarush。I\'mafraidifwesitdownwe\'lltaketoomuchtimeandafterwardhewillblameme。\"
Shewalkedtothefountain，andalongrowofpeoplestaredwithallthevaryingdegreesofinsolenceandcuriositythatFreckleshadfelttheywould。HeglancedattheAngel。NOWwouldshesee？
\"Onmysoul！\"hemutteredunderhisbreath。\"Theydon\'taventouchher！\"
Shelaiddownhersunshadeandgloves。Shewalkedtotheendofthecounterandturnedthefullbatteryofhereyesontheattendant。
\"Please，\"shesaid。
Thewhite-apronedindividualsteppedbackandgavedelightedassent。
TheAngelsteppedbesidehim，andselectingatall，flaringglass，ofalmostpaperthinness，shestoopedandrolleditinatrayofcrackedice。
\"Iwanttomixadrinkformyfriend，\"shesaid。\"Hehasalong，hotridebeforehim，andIdon\'twanthimstartedoffwithoneofthoseoldpalate-teasingsweetnessesthatyoumixjustonpurposetodriveamanbackintenminutes。\"Therewasanappreciativelaughfromthelineatthecounter。
\"Iwantaclear，cool，sparklingdrinkthathasatangofacidinit。
Where\'sthecherryphosphate？That，notatallsweet，wouldbegood；
don\'tyouthink？\"
Theattendantdidthink。Hepointedoutthedifferenttaps，andtheAngelcompoundedthedrink，whileFreckles，standingsoerecthealmostleanedbackward，gazedatherandpaidnoattentiontoanyoneelse。Whenshehadtheglassbrimming，shetiltedalittleofitscontentsintoasecondglassandtastedit。
\"That\'sentirelytoosweetforathirstyman，\"shesaid。
Shepouredouthalfthemixture，andrefillingtheglass，tasteditasecondtime。Shesubmittedthatresulttotheattendant。
\"Isn\'tthataboutthething？\"sheasked。
Herepliedenthusiastically。\"I\'dgetmywagesraisedtenamonthifIcouldlearnthattrick。\"
TheAngelcarriedthebrimming，frostyglasstoFreckles。Heremovedhishat，andliftingtheicyliquidevenwithhereyesandlookingstraightintothem，hesaidinthemellowestofallthemellowtonesofhisvoice:\"I\'llbedrinkingittotheSwampAngel。\"
Ashehadsaidtoherthatfirstday，shenowcautionedhim:
\"Bedrinkingslowly。\"
Whenthescreen-doorswungbehindthem，oneofthemenatthecounteraskedoftheattendant:\"Now，whatdidthatmean？\"
\"Exactlywhatyousaw，\"repliedhe，rathercurtly。\"We\'reaccustomedtoithere。Hardlyadaypasses，thishotweather，butshe\'spickingupsomepoor，god-forsakenmortalandbringinghimin。
Thenshecomesbehindthecounterherselfandfixesupadrinktosuittheoccasion。She\'sallsortsoffanciesaboutwhat\'swhatforallkindsoftimesandconditions，andyoubetshecanjusthitthespot！Ain\'taclerkherecanputupadrinktotouchher。
She\'sasortofknackatit。Everyonceinawhile，whentheBossseesher，hecallsouttohertomixhimadrink。\"
\"Anddoesshe？\"askedthemanwithaninterestedgrin。
\"Well，Iguess！Butfirstshegoesbackandseeshowlongitissincehe\'shadadrink。Whathedranklast。Howwarmheis。Whenheatelast。Thenshecomeshereandmixesaglassoffizzwithalittletouchofacid，andabitofcherry，lemon，grape，pineapple，orsomethingsourandcooling，andithitsthespotjustasnospotwaseverhitbefore。IhonestlybelievethattheINTERESTshetakesinitishalfthetrick，forIwatchhercloselyandIcan\'tcomewithingunshotofherconcoctions。Shehasarunningbillhere。
Herfathersettlesonceamonth。Shegivesnine-tenthsofitaway。
Hardlyevertouchesitherself，butwhenshedoesshemakesmemixit。
She\'sjustoldpersimmons。Eventhescrub-boyofthisestablishmentwouldfightforher。Itlaststheyearround，forinwinterit\'ssomepoor，frozencussthatshe\'swarminguponhotcoffeeorchocolate。\"
\"Mightyqueerspecimenshehadthistime，\"volunteeredanother。
\"Irish，handoff，straightasaramrod，andsomethingworthwhileinhisface。Noticethathatpeeloff，andtheeyesofhim？
There\'sacaseof`fightforher！\'Wonderwhoheis？\"
\"Ithink，\"saidathird，\"thathe\'sMcLean\'sLimberlostguard，andIsuspectshe\'sgonetotheswampwiththeBirdWomanforpicturesandknowshimthatway。I\'veheardthatheisamasterhandwiththebirds，andthatwouldjustsuittheBirdWomantoaT。\"
OnthestreettheAngelwalkedbesideFrecklestothefirstcrossingandthereshestopped。\"Now，willyoupromisetoridefastenoughtomakeupforthefiveminutesthattook？\"sheasked。
\"IamalittleuneasyaboutMrs。Duncan。\"
Frecklesturnedhiswheelintothestreet。Itseemedtohimhehadpouredthatdeliciousicyliquidintoeveryveininhisbodyinsteadofhisstomach。Itevenwenttohisbrain。
\"Didyouinsistonfixingthatdrinkbecauseyouknewhowintoxicating`twouldbe？\"heasked。
TherewassubtletyinthecomplimentanditdelightedtheAngel。
Shelaughedgleefully。
\"Nexttime，maybeyouwon\'ttakesomuchcoaxing，\"sheteased。
\"Iwouldn\'tthis，ifIhadknownyourfatherandbeenunderstandingyoubetter。DoyoureallythinktheBirdWomanwillbecomingagain？\"
TheAngeljeered。\"Wildhorsescouldn\'tdragheraway，\"shecried。
\"Shewillhavehardworktowaittheweekout。Ishouldn\'tbeintheleastsurprisedtoseeherstartanyhour。\"
Frecklescouldnotendurethesuspense；ithadtocome。
\"Andyou？\"hequestioned，buthedarednotlifthiseyes。
\"Wildhorsesme，too，\"shelaughed，\"couldn\'tkeepmeawayeither！
Idearlylovetocome，andthenexttimeIamgoingtobringmybanjo，andI\'llplay，andyousingformesomeofthesongsIlikebest；won\'tyou？\"
\"Yis，\"saidFreckles，becauseitwasallhewascapableofsayingjustthen。
\"It\'sbeginningtoactstormy，\"shesaid。\"Ifyouhurryyouwilljustaboutmakeit。Now，good-bye。\"
CHAPTERIX
WhereintheLimberlostFallsuponMrs。DuncanandFrecklesComestotheRescueFreckleswashalfwaytotheLimberlostwhenhedismounted。Hecouldridenofarther，becausehecouldnotseetheroad。Hesatunderatree，and，leaningagainstit，sobsshook，twisted，andrenthim。
Iftheywouldremindhimofhisposition，speakcondescendingly，ornoticehishand，hecouldendureit，butthis——itsurelywouldkillhim！
Hishot，pulsingIrishbloodwasstirreddeeply。Whatdidtheymean？
Whydidtheydoit？Weretheylikethattoeveryone？Wasitpity？
Itcouldnotbe，forheknewthattheBirdWomanandtheAngel\'sfathermustknowthathewasnotreallyMcLean\'sson，anditdidnotmattertothemintheleast。Inspiteofaccidentandpoverty，theyevidentlyexpectedhimtodosomethingworthwhileintheworld。
Thatmustbehisremedy。Hemustworkonhiseducation。Hemustgetaway。HemustfindanddothegreatthingofwhichtheAngeltalked。Forthefirsttime，histhoughtsturnedanxiouslytowardthecityandthebeginningofhisstudies。McLeanandtheDuncansspokeofhimas\"theboy，\"buthewasaman。Hemustfacelifebravelyandactaman\'spart。TheAngelwasamerechild。
Hemustnotallowhertotorturehimpastendurancewithherfrankcomradeshipthatmeanttohimhighheaven，earth\'srichness，andallthatlaybetween，andNOTHINGtoher。
Therewasanominousgrowlofthunder，andamazedathimself，Frecklessnatcheduphiswheelandracedtowardtheswamp。Hewasworriedtofindhisbootslyingatthecabindoor；thechildrenplayingonthewoodpiletoldhimthat\"mither\"saidtheyweresoheavyshecouldn\'twalkinthem，andshehadcomebackandtakenthemoff。Thoroughlyfrightened，hestoppedonlylongenoughtoslipthemon，andthenspedwithallhisstrengthfortheLimberlost。
Tothewest，thelong，black，hard-beatentraillayclear；butfaruptheeastside，straightacrossthepath，hecouldseewhatwascertainlyalimp，brownfigure。Frecklesspunwithallhismight。
Facedown，SarahDuncanlayacrossthetrail。WhenFrecklesturnedherover，hisbloodchilledatthelookofhorrorsettledonherface。
Therewasalowhummingandsomethingspattedagainsthim。
Glancingaround，Frecklesshiveredinterror，fortherewasaswarmofwildbeessettledonascrub-thornonlyafewyardsaway。
Theairwasfilledwithexcited，unsettledbeesmakingreadytoleadfartherinsearchofasuitablelocation。Thenhethoughtheunderstood，andwithaprayerofthankfulnessinhisheartthatshehadescaped，evensonarrowly，hecaughtherupandhurrieddownthetrailuntiltheywerewelloutofdanger。Helaidherintheshade，andcarryingwaterfromtheswampinthecrownofhishat，hebathedherfaceandhands；butshelayinunbrokenstillness，withoutasignoflife。
ShehadfoundFreckles\'bootssolargeandheavythatshehadgonebackandtakenthemoff，althoughshewasmortallyafraidtoapproachtheswampwithoutthem。Thethoughtofitmadehernervous，andthefactthatsheneverhadbeentherealoneaddedtoherfears。Shehadnotfollowedthetrailmanyrodswhenhertroublebegan。ShewasnotFreckles，sonotabirdofthelinewasgoingtobefooledintothinkingshewas。
Theybeganjumpingfromtheirnestsanddartingfromunexpectedplacesaroundherheadandfeet，withquickwhirs，thatkeptherstartinganddodging。BeforeFreckleswashalfwaytothetown，poorMrs。Duncanwashysterical，andtheLimberlosthadneithersungnorperformedforher。
Buttherewastroublebrewing。Itwasquietandintenselyhot，withthatstiflingstillnessthatprecedesasummerstorm，andfeathersandfurweretenseandnervous。Thebirdsweresingingonlyafewbrokensnatches，andflyingaround，seekingplacesofshelter。
Onemomenteverythingseemeddevoidoflife，thenexttherewasanunexpectedwhir，buzz，andsharpcry。Inside，apandemoniumofgrowling，spatting，snarling，andgruntingbrokeloose。
Theswalebentflatbeforeheavygustsofwind，andthebigblackchickensweptlowerandlowerabovetheswamp。Patchesofcloudsgathered，shuttingoutthesunandmakingitverydark，andthenextmomentweresweptaway。Thesunpouredwithfierce，burningbrightness，andeverythingwasquiet。ItwasatthefirstgrowlofthunderthatFrecklesreallyhadnoticedtheweather，andputtinghisowntroublesasideresolutely，racedfortheswamp。
SarahDuncanpausedontheline。\"Weel，Iwouldnastayinthisplaceforamillionamonth，\"shesaidaloud，andthesoundofhervoicebroughtnocomfort，foritwassolittlelikeshehadthoughtitthatsheglancedhastilyaroundtoseeifithadreallybeenshethatspoke。Shetremblinglywipedtheperspirationfromherfacewiththeskirtofhersunbonnet。
\"Awfu\'hot，\"shepantedhuskily。\"B\'lievethere\'sgoingtobeabigstorm。IdohopeFreckleswillhurry。\"
Herchinwasquiveringasaterrifiedchild\'s。Sheliftedherbonnettoreplaceitandbrushedagainstabushbesideher。
WHIRR，almostintoherface，wentanighthawkstretchedalongalimbforitsdaytimenap。Mrs。Duncancriedoutandsprangdownthetrail，alightingonafrogthatwashoppingacross。Thehorriblecroakitgaveasshecrusheditsickenedher。Shescreamedwildlyandjumpedtooneside。Thatcarriedherintotheswale，wherethegrassesreachedalmosttoherwaist，andherhorrorofsnakesreturning，shemadeaflyingleapforanoldloglyingbesidetheline。
Shealightedsquarely，butitwassodampandrottenthatshesankstraightthroughittoherknees。Shecaughtatthewireasshewentdown，andmissing，rakedherwristacrossabarbuntilshetoreableedinggash。Herfingersclosedconvulsivelyaroundthesecondstrand。Shewastoofrightenedtoscreamnow。Hertonguestiffened。Sheclungfranticallytothesaggingwire，andfinallymanagedtograspitwiththeotherhand。Thenshecouldreachthetopwire，andsoshedrewherselfupandfoundsolidfooting。Shepickeduptheclubthatshehaddroppedinordertoextricateherself。
Leaningheavilyonit，shemanagedtoreturntothetrail，butshewastremblingsothatshescarcelycouldwalk。Goingafewstepsfarther，shecametothestumpofthefirsttreethathadbeentakenout。
Shesatboltuprightandverystill，tryingtocollectherthoughtsandreasonawayherterror。Asquirrelaboveherdroppedanut，andasitcamerattlingdown，bouncingfrombranchtobranch，everynerveinhertuggedwildly。Whenthedisgustedsquirrelbarkedloudly，shesprangtothetrail。
Thewindarosehigher，thechangesfromlighttodarknessweremoreabrupt，whilethethundercamecloserandlouderateverypeal。
Inswarmstheblackbirdsarosefromtheswaleandcameflockingtotheinterior，withaclamoringcry:\"T\'CHECK，T\'CHECK。\"
Gracklesmarshaledtothetribalcall:\"TRALL-A-HEE，TRALL-A-HEE。\"
Red-wingedblackbirdssweptlow，callingtobelatedmates:
\"FOL-LOW-ME，FOL-LOW-ME。\"Big，jettycrowsgatheredclosetoher，crying，asifwarninghertofleebeforeitwaseverlastinglytoolate。Aheron，fishingthenear-bypoolforFreckles\'\"find-out\"
frog，fellintotroublewithamuskratandutteredaraspingnotethatsentMrs。Duncanaroddownthelinewithoutrealizingthatshehadmoved。Shewastooshakentorunfar。Shestoppedandlookedaroundherfearfully。
Severalbeesstruckherandwereangrilybuzzingbeforeshenoticedthem。Thenthehummingswelledonallsides。
Aconvulsivesobshookher，andsheranintothebushes，nowintotheswale，anywheretoavoidtheswarmingbees，ducking，dodging，fightingforherverylife。Presentlythehummingseemedtobecomealittlefainter。Shefoundthetrailagain，andranwithallhermightfromafewofherangrypursuers。
Assheran，strainingeverymuscle，shesuddenlybecameawarethat，crossingthetrailbeforeher，wasabig，round，blackbody，withbrownmarkingsonitsback，likepaintedgeometricalpatterns。
Shetriedtostop，butthelouderbuzzingbehindwarnedhershedarednot。Gatheringherskirtshigher，withhairflyingaroundherfaceandhereyesalmostburstingfromtheirsockets，sheranstraighttowardit。Thesoundofherfeetandthehummingofthebeesalarmedtherattler，soitstoppedacrossthetrail，liftingitsheadabovethegrassesoftheswaleandrattlinginquiringly——rattleduntilthebeeswereoutdone。
Straighttowarditwentthepanic-strickenwoman，runningwildlyanduncontrollably。Shetookoneleap，clearingitsbodyonthepath，thenflewaheadwithwingedfeet。Thesnake，coiledtostrike，missedMrs。Duncanandlandedamongthebeesinstead。
Theysettledoverandaroundit，andrealizingthatithadfoundtrouble，itsankamongthegrassesandwentthreshingtowarditsdeninthedeepwillow-fringedlowground。Theswaleappearedasifareaperwerecuttingawideswath。Themassofenragedbeesdartedangrilyaround，searchingforit，andstrikingthescrub-thorn，beganatemporarysettlingtheretodiscoverwhetheritwereasuitableplace。Completelyexhausted，Mrs。Duncanstaggeredonafewstepsfarther，fellfacingthepath，whereFrecklesfoundher，andlayquietly。
Frecklesworkedoverheruntilshedrewalong，quiveringbreathandopenedhereyes。
Whenshesawhimbendingaboveher，sheclosedthemtightly，andgrippinghim，struggledtoherfeet。Hehelpedher，andwithhisarmaroundandhalfcarryingher，theymadetheirwaytotheclearing。
Sheclungtohimwithallherremainingstrength，butopenhereyesshewouldnotuntilherchildrencameclusteringaroundher。
Then，brawny，bigScotswomanthoughshewas，shequietlykeeledoveragain。ThechildrenaddedtheirwailingtoFreckles\'panic。
Thistimehewassoclosethecabinthathecouldcarryherintothehouseandlayheronthebed。Hesenttheoldestboyscuddingdownthecorduroyforthenearestneighbor，andbetweenthemtheyundressedMrs。Duncananddiscoveredthatshewasnotbitten。
Theybathedandboundthebleedingwristandcoaxedherbacktoconsciousness。Shelaysobbingandshuddering。Thefirstintelligentwordshesaidwas:\"Freckles，lookatthatjaronthekitchentableandseeifmyyeastisnorunningower。\"
SeveraldayspassedbeforeshecouldgiveDuncanandFrecklesanydetailedaccountofwhathadhappenedtoher，eventhenshecouldnotdoitwithoutcryingastheleastofherbabies。Freckleswasalmostheartbroken，andnursedheraswellasanywomancouldhavedone；whilebigDuncan，withaheartfullforthemboth，workedearlyandlatetochinkeverycrackofthecabinandexamineeveryspotthatpossiblycouldharborasnake。Theeffectsofhermorningonthetrailkepthershiveringhalfthetime。ShecouldnotrestuntilshesentforMcLeanandbeggedhimtosaveFrecklesfromfurtherrisk，inthatplaceofhorrors。TheBosswenttotheswampwithhismindfullydeterminedtodoso。
Frecklesstoodandlaughedathim。\"Why，Mr。McLean，don\'tyouletawoman\'snervoussystemsetyouworryingaboutme，\"hesaid。
\"I\'mnotdenyinghowshefelt，becauseI\'vebeenthroughitmeself，butthat\'salloverandgone。It\'stheheightofmeglorytofightitoutwiththeoldswamp，andallthat\'sinit，orwillbecomingtoit，andthentoturnitovertoyouasIpromisedyouandmeselfI\'ddo，sir。Youcouldn\'tbreaktheheartofmeentirequickerthantobetakingitfrommenow，whenI\'mjustonthehome-stretch。
Itwon\'tbeoverthreeorfourweeksyet，andwhenI\'vegoneitalmostayear，why，what\'sthattome，sir？Youmustn\'tletawomangetmixedupwithbusiness，forI\'vealwaysheardabouthowit\'sbringingtrouble。\"
McLeansmiled。\"Whataboutthatlasttree？\"hesaid。
Frecklesblushedandgrinnedappreciatively。
\"AngelsandBirdWomendon\'tcountinthecommonrun，sir，\"heaffirmedshamelessly。
McLeansatinthesaddleandlaughed。