inparticularCharactersFRECKLES，apluckywaifwhoguardstheLimberlosttimberleasesanddreamsofAngels。
　　THESWAMPANGEL，inwhomFreckles'sweetestdreammaterializes。
　　MCLEAN，amemberofaGrandRapidslumbercompany，whobefriendsFreckles。
　　MRS。DUNCAN，whogivesmother-loveandahometoFreckles。
　　DUNCAN，headteamsterofMcLean'stimbergang。
　　THEBIRDWOMAN，whoiscollectingcamerastudiesofbirdsforabook。
　　LORDANDLADYO'MORE，whocomefromIrelandinquestofalostrelative。
　　THEMANOFAFFAIRS，brusqueofmanner，butbigofheart。
　　WESSNER，aDutchtimber-thiefwhowantsrascalitymadeeasy。
　　BLACKJACK，avillaintowhomthoughtofrepentancecomestoolate。
　　SEARS，campcook。
　　ContentsIWhereinGreatRisksAreTakenandtheLimberlostGuardIsHiredIIWhereinFrecklesProvesHisMettleandFindsFriendsIIIWhereinaFeatherFallsandaSoulIsBornIVWhereinFrecklesFacesTroubleBravelyandOpenstheWayforNewExperiencesVWhereinanAngelMaterializesandaManWorshipsVIWhereinaFightOccursandWomenShootStraightVIIWhereinFrecklesWinsHonorandFindsaFootprintontheTrailVIIIWhereinFrecklesMeetsaManofAffairsandLosesNothingbytheEncounterIXWhereintheLimberlostFallsuponMrs。DuncanandFrecklesComestotheRescueXWhereinFrecklesStrivesMightilyandtheSwampAngelRewardsHimXIWhereintheButterfliesGoonaSpreeandFrecklesInformstheBirdWomanXIIWhereinBlackJackCapturesFrecklesandtheAngelCapturesJackXIIIWhereintheAngelReleasesFreckles，andtheCurseofBlackJackFallsuponHerXIVWhereinFrecklesNursesaHeartacheandBlackJackDropsOutXVWhereinFrecklesandtheAngelTryTakingaPicture，andLittleChickenFurnishestheSubjectXVIWhereintheAngelLocatesaRareTreeandDineswiththeGangXVIIWhereinFrecklesOffersHisLifeforHisLoveandGetsaBrokenBodyXVIIIWhereinFrecklesRefusesLoveWithoutKnowledgeofHonorableBirth，andtheAngelGoesinQuestofitXIXWhereinFrecklesFindsHisBirthrightandtheAngelLosesHerHeartXXWhereinFrecklesReturnstotheLimberlost，andLordO'MoreSailsforIrelandWithoutHimCHAPTERI
　　WhereinGreatRisksAreTakenandtheLimberlostGuardIsHiredFrecklescamedownthecorduroythatcrossesthelowerendoftheLimberlost。Ataglancehemighthavebeenmistakenforatramp，buthewastrulyseekingwork。Hewasintenselyeagertobelongsomewhereandtobeattachedtoalmostanyenterprisethatwouldfurnishhimfoodandclothing。
　　LongbeforehecameinsightofthecampoftheGrandRapidsLumberCompany，hecouldhearthecheeryvoicesofthemen，theneighingofthehorses，andcouldscentthetemptingodorsofcookingfood。
　　Afeelingofhomelessfriendlessnesssweptoverhiminasickeningwave。
　　Withoutstoppingtothink，heturnedintothenewlymaderoadandfollowedittothecamp，wherethegangwasmakingreadyforsupperandbed。
　　Thescenewasintenselyattractive。Thethicknessoftheswampmadeadark，massivebackgroundbelow，whileabovetoweredgigantictrees。Themenwerecallingjoviallybackandforthastheyunharnessedtiredhorsesthatfellintoattitudesofrestandcrunched，indeepcontent，thegraingiventhem。Duncan，thebrawnyScotchhead-teamster，lovinglywipedtheflanksofhisbigbayswithhandfulsofpawpawleaves，ashesoftlywhistled，"Owhawillbemydearie，O！"andacricketbeneaththeleavesathisfeetaccompaniedhim。Thegreenwoodfirehissedandcrackledmerrily。
　　Wreathingtonguesofflamewrappedaroundthebigblackkettles，andwhenthecookliftedthelidstoplungeinhistesting-fork，gustsofsavoryodorsescaped。
　　Frecklesapproachedhim。
　　"IwanttospeakwiththeBoss，"hesaid。
　　Thecookglancedathimandansweredcarelessly:"Hecan'tuseyou。"
　　ThecolorfloodedFreckles'face，buthesaidsimply:"Ifyouwillbehavingthegoodnesstopointhimout，wewillgivehimachancetodohisowntalking。"
　　Withashrugofastonishment，thecookledthewaytoaroughboardtablewhereabroad，square-shoulderedmanwasbendingoversomeaccount-books。
　　"Mr。McLean，here'sanothermanwantingtobetakenonthegang，Isuppose，"hesaid。
　　"Allright，"camethecheeryanswer。"IneverneededagoodmanmorethanIdojustnow。"
　　Themanagerturnedapageandcarefullybegananewline。
　　"Nouseofyourbotheringwiththisfellow，"volunteeredthecook。
　　"Hehasn'tbutonehand。"
　　TheflushonFreckles'faceburneddeeper。Hislipsthinnedtoamereline。Heliftedhisshoulders，tookastepforward，andthrustouthisrightarm，fromwhichthesleevedangledemptyatthewrist。
　　"Thatwilldo，Sears，"camethevoiceoftheBosssharply。"IwillinterviewmymanwhenIfinishthisreport。"
　　Heturnedtohiswork，whilethecookhurriedtothefires。
　　Frecklesstoodoneinstantashehadbracedhimselftomeettheeyesofthemanager；thenhisarmdroppedandawaveofwhitenessswepthim。TheBosshadnoteventurnedhishead。Hehadusedthepossessive。Whenhesaid"myman，"thehungryheartofFreckleswentreachingtowardhim。
　　Theboydrewaquiveringbreath。Thenhewhippedoffhisoldhatandbeatthedustfromitcarefully。Withhislefthandhecaughttherightsleeve，wipedhissweatyface，andtriedtostraightenhishairwithhisfingers。Hebrokeasprayofironwortbesidehimandusedthepurplebloomtobeatthedustfromhisshouldersandlimbs。TheBoss，busyoverhisreport，was，nevertheless，vaguelyalivetothetoiletbeingmadebehindhim，andscoredonefortheman。
　　McLeanwasaScotchman。Itwashishabittoworkslowlyandmethodically。Themenofhiscampsneverhadknownhimtobeinahurryortolosehistemper。Disciplinewasinflexible，buttheBosswasalwayskind。Hishabitsweresimple。Hesharedcamplifewithhisgangs。Theonlyvisiblesignsofwealthconsistedofabig，shimmeringdiamondstoneoficeandfirethatglitteredandburnedononeofhisfingers，andthedainty，beautifulthoroughbredmareherodebetweencampsandacrossthecountryonbusiness。
　　NomanofMcLean'sgangscouldhonestlysaythatheeverhadbeenoverdrivenorunderpaid。TheBossneverhadexactedanydeferencefromhismen，yetsointensewashispersonalitythatnomanofthemeverhadattemptedafamiliarity。Theyallknewhimtobeathoroughgentleman，andthatinthegreattimbercityseveralmillionsstoodtohiscredit。
　　HewastheonlysonofthatMcLeanwhohadsentoutthefinestshipseverbuiltinScotland。Thathissonshouldcarryonthisbusinessafterthefather'sdeathhadbeenhisambition。HehadsenttheboythroughtheuniversitiesofOxfordandEdinburgh，andallowedhimseveralyears'travelbeforeheshouldattempthisfirstcommissionforthefirm。
　　ThenhewasorderedtosouthernCanadaandMichigantopurchaseaconsignmentoftall，straighttimberformasts，andsouthtoIndianaforoakbeams。Theyoungmanenteredthesemightyforests，partsofwhichlayuntouchedsincethedawnofthemorningoftime。
　　Theclear，cool，pungentatmospherewasintoxicating。Theintensesilence，likethatofagreatemptycathedral，fascinatedhim。
　　Hegraduallylearnedthat，totheshywoodcreaturesthatdartedacrosshispathorpeepedinquiringlyfromleafyambush，hewasbrother。Hefoundhimselfapproaching，withafeelingofreverence，thosemajestictreesthathadstoodthroughagesofsun，wind，andsnow。Soonitbecamedifficulttofellthem。
　　Whenhehadfilledhisorderandreturnedhome，hewasamazedtolearnthatintheswampsandforestshehadlosthisheartanditwascalling——forevercallinghim。
　　Whenheinheritedhisfather'sproperty，hepromptlydisposedofit，and，withhismother，foundedahomeinasplendidresidenceintheoutskirtsofGrandRapids。Withthreepartners，heorganizedalumbercompany。Hisworkwastopurchase，fell，andshipthetimbertothemills。Marshallmanagedthemillingprocessandpassedthelumbertothefactory。Fromthelumber，Bartholmadebeautifulandusefulfurniture，whichUptegrovescatteredallovertheworldfromabigwholesalehouse。Ofthethousandswhosawtheirfacesreflectedonthepolishedsurfacesofthatfurnitureandfoundcomfortinitsuse，fewthereweretowhomitsuggestedmightyforestsandtracklessswamps，andtheman，bigofsoulandbody，whocuthiswaythroughthem，andwiththeeyeofexperiencedoomedtheproudtreesthatwerenowenteringthehomesofcivilizationforservice。
　　WhenMcLeanturnedfromhisfinishedreport，hefacedayoungman，yetundertwenty，tall，spare，heavilyframed，closelyfreckled，andred-haired，withahomelyIrishface，butinthesteadygrayeyes，straightlymeetinghissearchingonesofblue，therewasunswervingcandorandtheappearanceoflongingnottobeignored。
　　Hewasdressedintheroughestoffarmclothing，andseemedtiredtothepointoffalling。
　　"Youarelookingforwork？"questionedMcLean。
　　"Yis，"answeredFreckles。
　　"Iamverysorry，"saidtheBosswithgenuinesympathyinhiseverytone，"butthereisonlyonemanIwantatpresent——ahardy，bigfellowwithastoutheartandastrongbody。Ihopedthatyouwoulddo，butIamafraidyouaretooyoungandscarcelystrongenough。"
　　Frecklesstood，hatinhand，watchingMcLean。
　　"AndwhatwasityouthoughtImightbedoing？"heasked。
　　TheBosscouldscarcelyrepressastart。SomewherebeforeaccidentandpovertytherehadbeenanancestorwhousedcultivatedEnglish，evenwithanaccent。TheboyspokeinamellowIrishvoice，sweetandpure。Itwasscarcelydefiniteenoughtobecalledbrogue，yettherewasatrickintheturningofthesentence，thewrongsoundofaletterhereandthere，thatwasalmostirresistibletoMcLean，andpresagedamisuseofinfinitivesandpossessiveswithwhichhewasveryfamiliarandwhichtouchedhimnearly。Hewasofforeignbirth，anddespiteyearsofalienation，intimesofstrongfeelinghecommittedinheritedsinsofaccentandconstruction。
　　"It'snochild'sjob，"answeredMcLean。"Iamthefieldmanagerofabiglumbercompany。WehavejustleasedtwothousandacresoftheLimberlost。Manyofthesetreesareofgreatvalue。Wecan'tleaveourcamp，sixmilessouth，foralmostayearyet；sowehaveblazedatrailandstrungbarbedwiressecurelyaroundthislease。
　　Beforewereturntoourwork，Imustputthispropertyinthehandsofareliable，brave，strongmanwhowillguarditeveryhouroftheday，andsleepwithoneeyeopenatnight。Ishallrequiretheentirelengthofthetrailtobewalkedatleasttwiceeachday，tomakesurethatourlinesareupandthatnoonehasbeentrespassing。"
　　Freckleswasleaningforward，absorbingeverywordwithsuchintenseeagernessthathewasbeguilingtheBossintoexplanationshehadneverintendedmaking。
　　"Butwhywouldn'tthatbethefinestjobintheworldforme？"
　　hepleaded。"Iamneversick。Icouldwalkthetrailtwice，threetimeseveryday，andI'dbewatchingsharpallthewhile。"
　　"It'sbecauseyouarescarcelymorethanaboy，andthiswillbeatryingjobforawork-hardenedman，"answeredMcLean。"Yousee，inthefirstplace，youwouldbeafraid。Instretchingourlines，wekilledsixrattlesnakesalmostaslongasyourbodyandasthickasyourarm。It'sthepriceofyourlifetostartthroughthemarshgrasssurroundingtheswampunlessyouarecoveredwithheavyleatheraboveyourknees。
　　"YoushouldbeabletoswimincasehighwaterunderminesthetemporarybridgewehavebuiltwhereSleepySnakeCreekenterstheswamp。Thefallandwinterchangesofweatherareabruptandsevere，whileIwouldwantstrictwatchkepteveryday。Youwouldalwaysbealone，andIdon'tguaranteewhatisintheLimberlost。
　　Itislyinghereasithaslainsincethebeginningoftime，anditisalivewithformsandvoices。Idon'tpretendtosaywhatallofthemcomefrom；butfromafewslinkingshapesI'veseen，andhair-raisingyellsI'veheard，I'drathernotconfronttheirownersmyself；andIamneitherweaknorfearful。
　　"Worstofall，anymanwhowillentertheswamptomarkandstealtimberisdesperate。Oneofmyemployeesatthesouthcamp，JohnCarter，compelledmetodischargehimforanumberofseriousreasons。
　　Hecamehere，enteredtheswampalone，andsucceededinlocatingandmarkinganumberofvaluabletreesthathewasendeavoringtoselltoarivalcompanywhenwesecuredthelease。Hehassworntohavethesetreesifhehastodieortokillotherstogetthem；andheisamanthatthestrongestwouldnotcaretomeet。"
　　"Butifhecametostealtrees，wouldn'thebringteamsandmenenough:thatallanyonecoulddowouldbetowatchandbeafteryou？"queriedtheboy。
　　"Yes，"repliedMcLean。
　　"Thenwhycouldn'tIbewatchingjustasclosely，andcomingasfast，asanolder，strongerman？"askedFreckles。
　　"Why，byGeorge，youcould！"exclaimedMcLean。"Idon'tknowasthesizeofamanwouldbehalfsoimportantashisgritandfaithfulness，cometothinkofit。Sitonthatlogthereandwewilltalkitover。Whatisyourname？"
　　Frecklesshookhisheadattheprofferofaseat，andfoldinghisarms，stoodstraightasthetreesaroundhim。Hegrewashadewhiter，buthiseyesneverfaltered。
　　"Freckles！"hesaid。
　　"Goodenoughforeveryday，"laughedMcLean，"butIscarcelycanput`Freckles'onthecompany'sbooks。Tellmeyourname。"
　　"Ihaven'tanyname，"repliedtheboy。
　　"Idon'tunderstand，"saidMcLean。
　　"Iwasthinkingfromthevoiceandthefaceofyouthatyouwouldn't，"saidFrecklesslowly。"I'vespentmoretimeonitthanIeverdidonanythingelseinallmelife，andIdon'tunderstand。
　　Doesitseemtoyouthatanyonewouldtakeanewbornbabyandrowoverit，untilitwasbruisedblack，cutoffitshand，andleaveitoutinabitternightonthestepsofacharityhome，tothecareofstrangers？That'swhatsomebodydidtome。"
　　McLeanstaredaghast。Hehadnoreplyready，andpresentlyinalowvoicehesuggested:"Andafter？"
　　"TheHomepeopletookmein，andIwastherethefulllegalageandseveralyearsover。ForthemostpartwewerealotoflittleIrishmentogether。Theycouldalwaysfindhomesfortheotherchildren，butnobodywouldeverbewantingmeonaccountofmearm。"
　　"Weretheykindtoyou？"McLeanregrettedthequestiontheminuteitwasasked。
　　"Idon'tknow，"answeredFreckles。Thereplysoundedsohopeless，eventohisownears，thathehastenedtoqualifyitbyadding:
　　"Yousee，it'slikethis，sir。Kindnessesthatpeoplearepaidtolayoffinjoblotsandthatbelongequallytoseveralhundredothers，ain'tgoingtobesoakingintoanyonefellowsomuch。"
　　"Goon，"saidMcLean，noddingcomprehendingly。
　　"There'snothingworththetakingofyourtimetotell，"
　　repliedFreckles。"TheHomewasinChicago，andIwasthereallmelifeuntilthreemonthsago。WhenIwastoooldforthetrainingtheygavetothelittlechildren，theysentmetotheclosestwardschoolaslongasthelawwouldletthem；butIwasneverlikeanyoftheotherchildren，andtheyallknewit。
　　I'dtogoandcomelikeaprisoner，andbeworkingaroundtheHomeearlyandlateformeboardandclothes。Ialwayswantedtolearnmightybad，butIwasgladwhenthatwasover。
　　"Everyfewdays，allmelife，I'dtobecalledup，lookedover，andrefusedahomeandlove，onaccountofmehandanduglyface；
　　butitwasallthehomeI'deverknown，andIdidn'tseemtobelongtoanyplaceelse。
　　"Thenanewsuperintendentwasputin。Hewasn'tforbeinglikeanyoftheothers，andhesworehe'dweedmeoutthefirstthinghedid。HemadeaplantosendmedowntheStatetoamanhesaidheknewwhoneededaboy。Hewasn'tforrememberingtotellthatmanthatIwasahandshort，andheknockedmedowntheminutehefoundIwastheboywhohadbeensenthim。Betweennoonandthatevening，heandhissonclosemyagehadmeinprettymuchthesameshapeinwhichIwasfoundinthebeginning，soIlayawakethatnightandranaway。I'dliketohavesquaredmeaccountwiththatboybeforeIleft，butIdidn'tdareforfearofwakingtheoldman，andI
　　knewIcouldn'thandlethetwoofthem；butI'mhopingtomeethimalonesomedaybeforeIdie。"
　　McLeantuggedathismustachetohidethesmileonhislips，buthelikedtheboyallthebetterforthisconfession。
　　"Ididn'tevenhavetostealclothestogetridofstartinginmeHomeones，"Frecklescontinued，"fortheyhadalreadytakenallmeclean，neatthingsfortheboyandputmeintohisrags，andthatwentalmostassoreasthebeatings，forwhereIwaswewerealwayskepttidyandsweet-smelling，anyway。IhustledclearintothisStatebeforeIlearnedthatmancouldn'thavekeptmeifhe'dwantedto。WhenIthoughtIwasgoodandawayfromhim，I
　　commencedhuntingwork，butitiswitheverybodyelsejustasitiswithyou，sir。Big，strong，wholemenaretheonlyonesforbeingwanted。"
　　"Ihavebeenstudyingoverthismatter，"answeredMcLean。"Iamnotsosurebutthatamannoolderthanyouandsimilarineverywaycoulddothisworkverywell，ifhewerenotacoward，andhaditinhimtobetrustworthyandindustrious。"
　　Frecklescameforwardastep。
　　"IfyouwillgivemeajobwhereIcanearnmefood，clothes，andaplacetosleep，"hesaid，"ifIcanhaveaBosstoworkforlikeothermen，andaplaceIfeelI'vearightto，Iwilldopreciselywhatyoutellmeordietrying。"
　　HespokesoconvincinglythatMcLeanbelieved，althoughinhisheartheknewthattoemployastrangerwouldbewretchedbusinessforamanwiththeinterestshehadinvolved。
　　"Verywell，"theBossfoundhimselfanswering，"Iwillenteryouonmypayrolls。We'llhavesupper，andthenIwillprovideyouwithcleanclothing，wading-boots，thewire-mendingapparatus，andarevolver。Thefirstthinginthemorning，IwilltakeyouthelengthofthetrailmyselfandexplainfullywhatIwantdone。
　　AllIaskofyouistocometomeatonceatthesouthcampandtellmeasamanifyoufindthisjobtoohardforyou。Itwillnotsurpriseme。Itisworkthatfewmenwouldperformfaithfully。
　　WhatnameshallIputdown？"
　　Freckles'gazeneverleftMcLean'sface，andtheBosssawtheswiftspasmofpainthatswepthislonely，sensitivefeatures。
　　"Ihaven'tanyname，"hesaidstubbornly，"nomorethanonesomebodyclappedontomewhentheyputmeontheHomebooks，withnotthethoughtorcarethey'dnameahousecat。I'veseenhowtheyenterthosepoorlittleabandoneddevilsoftenenoughtoknow。
　　Whattheycalledmeisnomoremynamethanitisyours。Idon'tknowwhatmineis，andIneverwill；butIamgoingtobeyourmananddoyourwork，andI'llbegladtoanswertoanynameyouchoosetocallme。Won'tyoupleasebegivingmeaname，Mr。McLean？"
　　TheBosswheeledabruptlyandbeganstackinghisbooks。Whathewasthinkingwasprobablywhatanyothergentlemanwouldhavethoughtinthecircumstances。Withhiseyesstilldowncast，andinavoiceharshwithhuskiness，hespoke。
　　"Iwilltellyouwhatwewilldo，mylad，"hesaid。"Myfatherwasmyidealman，andIlovedhimbetterthananyotherIhaveeverknown。Hewentoutfiveyearsago，butthathewouldhavebeenproudtoleaveyouhisnameIfirmlybelieve。IfIgivetoyouthenameofmynearestkinandthemanIlovedbest——willthatdo？"
　　Freckles'rigidattituderelaxedsuddenly。Hisheaddropped，andbigtearssplashedonthesoiledcalicoshirt。McLeanwasnotsurprisedatthesilence，forhefoundthattalkingcamenonetooeasilyjustthen。
　　"Allright，"hesaid。"Iwillwriteitontheroll——JamesRossMcLean。"
　　"Thankyoumightily，"saidFreckles。"ThatmakesmefeelalmostasifIbelonged，already。"
　　"Youdo，"saidMcLean。"Untilsomeonearmedwitheveryrightcomestoclaimyou，youaremine。Now，comeandtakeabath，havesomesupper，andgotobed。"
　　AsFrecklesfollowedintothelightsandsoundsofthecamp，hisheartandsoulweresingingforjoy。
　　CHAPTERII
　　WhereinFrecklesProvesHisMettleandFindsFriendsNextmorningfoundFrecklesinclean，wholeclothing，fed，andrested。ThenMcLeanoutfittedhimandgavehimcarefulinstructionintheuseofhisweapon。TheBossshowedhimaroundthetimber-line，andengagedhimaplacetoboardwiththefamilyofhisheadteamster，Duncan，whomhehadbroughtfromScotlandwithhim，andwholivedinasmallclearinghewasworkingoutbetweentheswampandthecorduroy。Whenthegangwasstartedforthesouthcamp，FreckleswaslefttoguardafortuneintheLimberlost。
　　Thathewasunderguardhimselfthosefirstweeksheneverknew。
　　Eachhourwastorturetotheboy。TherestrictedlifeofagreatcityorphanagewastheotherextremeoftheworldcomparedwiththeLimberlost。Hewasafraidforhislifeeveryminute。Theheatwasintense。Theheavywading-bootsrubbedhisfeetuntiltheybled。
　　Hewassoreandstifffromhislongtrampandoutdoorexposure。
　　Thesevenmilesoftrailwasagonyateverystep。Hepracticedatnight，underthedirectionofDuncan，untilhegrewsureintheuseofhisrevolver。Hecutastouthickorycudgel，withaknotontheendasbigashisfist；thisneverlefthishand。Whathethoughtinthosefirstdayshehimselfcouldnotrecallclearlyafterward。
　　Hisheartstoodstilleverytimehesawthebeautifulmarsh-grassbeginasinuouswavingAGAINSTtheplayofthewind，asMcLeanhadtoldhimitwould。Heboltedhalfamilewiththefirstboomofthebittern，andhishatliftedwitheveryyelpofthesheitpoke。
　　Oncehesawalean，shadowyformfollowinghim，andfiredhisrevolver。
　　ThenhewasfrightenedworsethaneverforfearitmighthavebeenDuncan'scollie。
　　Thefirstafternoonthathefoundhiswiresdown，andhewascompelledtoplungekneedeepintotheblackswamp-mucktorestringthem，hebecamesoillfromfearandnervousnessthathescarcelycouldcontrolhisshakinghandtodothework。Witheverystep，hefeltthathewouldmisssecurefootingandbeswallowedinthatclingingseaofblackness。Indumbagonyheplungedforward，clingingtothepostsandtreesuntilhehadfinishedrestringingandtestingthewire。Hehadconsumedmuchtime。Nightclosedin。
　　TheLimberloststirredgently，thenshookherself，growled，andawokearoundhim。
　　Thereseemedtobeagreatowlhootingfromeveryhollowtree，andalittleonescreechingfromeveryknothole。Thebellowingofbigbullfrogswasnotsufficientlydeafeningtoshutoutthewailingofwhip-poor-willsthatseemedtocomefromeverybush。Nighthawkssweptpasthimwiththeirshiveringcry，andbatsstruckhisface。
　　Aprowlingwildcatmisseditscatchandscreamedwithrage。
　　Astrayingfoxbayedincessantlyforitsmate。
　　ThehaironthebackofFreckles'neckaroseasbristles，andhiskneeswaveredbeneathhim。Hecouldnotseewhetherthedreadedsnakeswereonthetrail，or，inthepandemonium，heartherattleforwhichMcLeanhadcautionedhimtolisten。Hestoodmotionlessinanagonyoffear。Hisbreathwhistledbetweenhisteeth。
　　Theperspirationrandownhisfaceandbodyinlittlestreams。
　　Somethingbig，black，andheavycamecrashingthroughtheswampclosetohim，andwithayellofutterpanicFrecklesran——howfarhedidnotknow；butatlasthegainedcontroloverhimselfandretracedhissteps。Hisjawssetstifflyandthesweatdriedonhisbody。Whenhereachedtheplacefromwhichhehadstartedtorun，heturnedandwithmeasuredstepsmadehiswaydowntheline。
　　Afteratimeherealizedthathewasonlywalking，sohefacedthatseaofhorrorsagain。Whenhecametowardthecorduroy，thecudgelfelltotestthewireateachstep。
　　Soundsthatcurdledhisbloodseemedtoencompasshim，andshapesofterrortodrawcloserandcloser。Fearhadsogainedthemasterythathedidnotdarelookbehindhim；andjustwhenhefeltthathewouldfalldeadbeforeheeverreachedtheclearing，cameDuncan'srollingcall:"Freckles！Freckles！"Ashudderingsobburstintheboy'sdrythroat；butheonlytoldDuncanthatfindingthewiredownhadcausedthedelay。
　　Thenextmorninghestartedontime。Dayafterday，withhisheartpounding，heducked，dodged，ranwhenhecould，andfoughtwhenhewasbroughttobay。Ifheeverhadanideaofgivingup，nooneknewit；forheclungtohisjobwithouttheshadowofwavering。
　　Allthesethings，insofarasheguessedthem，Duncan，whohadbeensettowatchthefirstweeksofFreckles'work，carriedtotheBossatthesouthcamp；buttheinnermost，exquisitetortureofthethingthebigScotchmanneverguessed，andMcLean，withhisfinerperceptions，cameonlyalittlecloser。
　　Afterafewweeks，whenFreckleslearnedthathewasstillliving，thathehadahome，andtheveryfirstmoneyheeverhadpossessedwassafeinhispockets，hebegantogrowproud。Heyetside-
　　stepped，dodged，andhurriedtoavoidbeinglateagain，buthewasgraduallydevelopingthefearlessnessthatmeneveracquireofdangerstowhichtheyarehourlyaccustomed。
　　Hisheartseemedtobeleapingwhenhisfirstrattlerdisputedthetrailwithhim，buthemusteredcouragetoattackitwithhisclub。
　　Afteritsheadhadbeencrushed，hemasteredanIrishman'sinbornrepugnanceforsnakessufficientlytocutoffitsrattlestoshowDuncan。Withthisvictory，hisgreatestfearofthemwasgone。
　　Thenhebegantorealizethatwiththeabundanceoffoodintheswamp，flesh-hunterswouldnotcomeonthetrailandattackhim，andhehadhisrevolverfordefenceiftheydid。Hesoonlearnedtolaughatthebig，floppybirdsthatmadehorriblenoises。Oneday，watchingbehindatree，hesawacranesolemnlyperformingafewmeasuresofabelatednuptialsong-and-dancewithhismate。
　　Realizingthatitwasintendedintenderness，nomatterhowitappeared，thelonely，starvedheartoftheboysympathizedwiththem。
　　Beforethefirstmonthpassed，hewasfairlyeasyabouthisjob；bythenextheratherlikedit。Naturecanbetrustedtoworkherownmiracleintheheartofanymanwhosedailytaskkeepshimaloneamonghersights，sounds，andsilences。
　　Whendayafterdaytheonlythingthatrelievedhisutterlonelinesswasthecompanionshipofthebirdsandbeastsoftheswamp，itwasthemostnaturalthingintheworldthatFrecklesshouldturntothemforfriendship。Hebeganbyinstinctivelyprotectingtheweakandhelpless。Hewasastonishedatthequicknesswithwhichtheybecameaccustomedtohimandthedisregardtheyshowedforhismovements，whentheylearnedthathewasnotahunter，whiletheclubhecarriedwasusedmorefrequentlyfortheirbenefitthanhisown。Hescarcelycouldbelievewhathesaw。
　　Fromtheefforttoprotectthebirdsandanimals，itwasonlyashortsteptothepossessivefeeling，andwiththatsprangtheimpulsetocaressandprovide。Throughfall，whenbroodingwasfinishedandtheuplandbirdssoughttheswampinswarmstofeastonitsseedsandberries，Freckleswascontentwithwatchingthemandspeculatingaboutthem。Outsideofhalfadozenoftheverycommonesttheywerestrangerstohim。Thelikenessoftheiractionstohumanitywasanhourlysurprise。
　　WhenblackfrostbeganstrippingtheLimberlost，cuttingtheferns，shearingthevinesfromthetrees，mowingthesucculentgreenthingsoftheswale，andsettingtheleavesswirlingdown，hewatchedthedepartingtroopsofhisfriendswithdismay。Hebegantorealizethathewouldbeleftalone。Hemadeespecialeffortstowardfriendlinesswiththehopethathecouldinducesomeofthemtostay。Itwasthenthatheconceivedtheideaofcarryingfoodtothebirds；forhesawthattheywereleavingforlackofit；buthecouldnotstopthem。Dayafterday，flocksgatheredanddeparted:
　　bythetimethefirstsnowwhitenedhistrailaroundtheLimberlost，therewereleftonlythelittleblack-and-whitejuncos，thesapsuckers，yellow-hammers，afewpatriarchsamongtheflamingcardinals，thebluejays，thecrows，andthequail。
　　ThenFrecklesbeganhiswizardwork。Heclearedaspaceofswale，andtwiceadayhespreadabirds'banquet。BythemiddleofDecemberthestrongwindsofwinterhadbeatenmostoftheseedfromthegrassandbushes。Thesnowfell，coveringtheswamp，andfoodwasveryscarceanddifficulttofind。ThebirdsscarcelywaiteduntilFreckles'backwasturnedtoattackhisprovisions。
　　Inafewweekstheyflewtowardtheclearingtomeethim。DuringthebitterweatherofJanuarytheycamehalfwaytothecabineverymorning，andflutteredaroundhimasdovesallthewaytothefeeding-ground。BeforeFebruarytheyweresoaccustomedtohim，andsohunger-driven，thattheywouldperchonhisheadandshoulders，andthesaucyjayswouldtrytopryintohispockets。
　　ThenFrecklesaddedtowheatandcrumbs，everyscrapofrefusefoodhecouldfindatthecabin。Hecarriedtohispetstheparingsofapples，turnips，potatoes，straycabbage-leaves，andcarrots，andtiedtothebushesmeat-boneshavingscrapsoffatandgristle。
　　Onemorning，comingtohisfeeding-groundunusuallyearly，hefoundagorgeouscardinalandarabbitsidebysidesociablynibblingacabbage-leaf，andthatinstantlygavetohimtheideaofcrackingnuts，fromthestorehehadgatheredforDuncan'schildren，forthesquirrels，intheefforttoaddthemtohisfamily。Soonhehadthemcoming——red，gray，andblack；thenhebecamefilledwithavastimpatiencethathedidnotknowtheirnamesorhabits。
　　Sothewinterpassed。EveryweekMcLeanrodetotheLimberlost；
　　neveronthesamedayoratthesamehour。AlwayshefoundFrecklesathiswork，faithfulandbrave，nomatterhowseveretheweather。
　　Theboy'searningsconstitutedhisfirstmoney；andwhentheBossexplainedtohimthathecouldleavethemsafeatabankandcarryawayascrapofpaperthatrepresentedtheamount，hewentstraightoneverypaydayandmadehisdeposit，keepingoutbarelywhatwasnecessaryforhisboardandclothing。Whathewantedtodowithhismoneyhedidnotknow，butitgavetohimasenseoffreedomandpowertofeelthatitwasthere——itwashisandhecouldhaveitwhenhechose。InimitationofMcLean，heboughtasmallpocketaccount-book，inwhichhecarefullysetdowneverydollarheearnedandeverypennyhespent。AshisexpensesweresmallandtheBosspaidhimgenerously，itwasastonishinghowhislittlehoardgrew。
　　ThatwinterheldthefirsthoursofrealhappinessinFreckles'life。
　　Hewasfree。Hewasdoingaman'sworkfaithfully，througheveryrigorofrain，snow，andblizzard。Hewasgatheringawonderfulstrengthofbody，payinghisway，andsavingmoney。
　　EverymanofthegangandofthatlocalityknewthathewasundertheprotectionofMcLean，whowasapower，thishadtheeffectofsmoothingFreckles'pathinmanydirections。
　　Mrs。Duncanshowedhimthatindividualkindnessforwhichhishungryheartwaslonging。Shehadahotdrinkreadyforhimwhenhecamefromafreezingdayonthetrail。Sheknithimaheavymittenforhislefthand，anddevisedawaytosewandpadtherightsleevethatprotectedthemaimedarminbitterweather。Shepatchedhisclothing——frequentlytornbythewire——andsavedkitchenscrapsforhisbirds，notbecausesheeitherkneworcaredanythingaboutthem，butbecausesheherselfwascloseenoughtotheswamptobetouchedbyitsutterloneliness。WhenDuncanlaughedatherforthis，sheretorted:"MyGod，mannie，ifFreckleshadnathebirdsandthebeastshewouldbealwaysalone。Itwasnevermeantforahumanbeingtobesosolitary。He'dgettouchedintheheadifhehadnathemtothinkforandtotalkto。"
　　"Howmuchanswerdoyethinkhegetstohistalkin'，lass？"
　　laughedDuncan。
　　"Hegetstheanswerthatkeepstheeyebright，thehearthappy，andthefeetwalkingfaithfultheroughpathhe'ssetthemin，"
　　answeredMrs。Duncanearnestly。
　　Duncanwalkedawayappearingverythoughtful。ThenextmorninghegaveanearfromthecornhewasshellingforhischickenstoFreckles，andtoldhimtocarryittohiswildchickensintheLimberlost。Freckleslaugheddelightedly。
　　"Mechickens！"hesaid。"Whydidn'tIeverthinkofthatbefore？
　　Ofcoursetheyare！Theyarejustlittle，brightlycoloredcocksandhens！But`wild'isnogood。Whatwouldyousaytome`wildchickens'beingagooddealtamerthanyourshereinyouryard？"
　　"Hoot，lad！"criedDuncan。
　　"Makeyourslightonyourheadandeatoutofyourhandsandpockets，"challengedFreckles。
　　"Goandtellyourfairytalestotheweepeople！They'rejuistbrashonbelievin'things，"saidDuncan。"Yecannainventanystorytoobigtostopthemfromcallin'forabigger。"
　　"Idareyoutocomesee！"retortedFreckles。
　　"Takeye！"saidDuncan。"Ifyemakejuistanebirdlichtonyourheidoreatfraeyourhand，yearefreetohelpyoursel'tomycorn-cribandwheatbintherestofthewinter。"
　　Frecklesspranginairandhowledinglee。
　　"Oh，Duncan！You'retoo，aisy"hecried。"Whenwillyoucome？"
　　"I'llcomenextSabbath，"saidDuncan。"AndI'llbelievethebirdsoftheLimberlostaretameasbarnyardfowlwhenIseeit，andnosooner！"
　　AfterthatFrecklesalwaysspokeofthebirdsashischickens，andtheDuncansfollowedhisexample。TheverynextSabbath，Duncan，withhiswifeandchildren，followedFrecklestotheswamp。
　　Theysawasightsowonderfulitwillkeepthemtalkingalltheremainderoftheirlives，andmakethemunfailingfriendsofallthebirds。
　　Freckles'chickenswereawaitinghimattheedgeoftheclearing。
　　Theycutthefrostyairaroundhisheadintocurvesandcirclesofcrimson，blue，andblack。TheychasedeachotherfromFreckles，andsweptsocloselythemselvesthattheybrushedhimwiththeiroutspreadwings。
　　Attheirfeeding-groundFrecklessetdownhisoldpailofscrapsandsweptthesnowfromasmalllevelspacewithabroomimprovisedoftwigs。Assoonashisbackwasturned，thebirdsclusteredoverthefood，snatchingscrapstocarrytothenearestbushes。Severaloftheboldest，abigcrowandacoupleofjays，settledontherimandfeastedatleisure，whileacardinal，thathesitatedtoventure，fumedandscoldedfromatwigoverhead。
　　ThenFrecklesscatteredhisstore。AtoncethegroundresembledthespreadmantleofMontezuma，exceptthatthismassofgailycoloredfeatherswasonthebacksoflivingbirds。Whiletheyfeasted，Duncangrippedhiswife'sarmandstaredinastonishment；forfromthebushesanddrygrass，withgentlecheepingandqueer，throatychatter，asiftoencourageeachother，cameflocksofquail。
　　Beforeanyonesawitarrive，abiggrayrabbitsatinthemidstofthefeast，contentedlygnawingacabbage-leaf。
　　"Weel，Ibedrawedon！"cameMrs。Duncan'stensewhisper。
　　"Shu-shu，"cautionedDuncan。
　　LastlyFrecklesremovedhiscap。Hebeganfillingitwithhandfulsofwheatfromhispockets。Inaswarmthegrain-eatersarosearoundhimasaflockoftamepigeons。Theyperchedonhisarmsandthecap，andinthestressofhunger，forgettingallcaution，abrilliantcockcardinalandanequallygaudyjayfoughtforaperching-placeonhishead。
　　"Weel，I'mbeat，"mutteredDuncan，forgettingthesilenceimposedonhiswife。"I'llhaetogivein。`Seein'isbelievin'。Amanwadhaetoseethattobelieveit。WemaunalettheBossmissthatsight，forit'sachancewillnolikelycometwiceinalife。
　　Everythingissnowedunderandthaecratursnearstarved，buttrustin'Frecklesthatcompletetheyaretamerthanourchickens。
　　Lookhard，bairns！"hewhispered。"Yewinnaseethelikeo'yonagain，whileGodletsyelive。Noticetheircoloragainsttheiceandsnow，andtheprettyskippin'waysofthem！Andspunky！
　　Weel，I'mheatfair！"
　　Frecklesemptiedhiscap，turnedhispocketsandscatteredhislastgrain。Thenhewavedhiswatchingfriendsgood-byeandstarteddownthetimber-line。
　　Aweeklater，DuncanandFrecklesarosefrombreakfasttofacethebitterestmorningofthewinter。WhenFreckles，warmlycappedandgloved，steppedtothecornerofthekitchenforhisscrap-pail，hefoundabigpanofsteamingboiledwheatonthetopofit。HewheeledtoMrs。Duncanwithashiningface。
　　"Wereyoufixingthiswarmfoodformechickensoryours？"heasked。
　　"It'sforyours，Freckles，"shesaid。"Iwasafearedthiscoldweathertheywadnalaygoodwithoutawarmbitenowandthen。"
　　Duncanlaughedashesteppedtotheotherroomforhispipe；butFrecklesfacedMrs。Duncanwithatraceofeverypangofstarvedmother-hungerheeverhadsufferedwrittenlargeonhishomely，splotched，narrowfeatures。
　　"Oh，howIwishyouweremymother！"hecried。
　　Mrs。Duncanattemptedanechoofherhusband'slaugh。
　　"Lordlovethelad！"sheexclaimed。"Why，Freckles，areyenobrightenoughtolearnwithoutbeingtaughtbyawomanthatIamyourmither？Ifagreatmanlikeyoursel'dinnakenthat，learnitnowandne'erforgetit。Anceawomanisthewifeofanyman，shebecomeswifetoallmenforhavinghadthewifelyexperienceshekens！
　　Anceaman-childhasbeatenhiswaytolifeundertheheartofawoman，sheismithertoallmen，fortheheartsofmithersareeverywherethesame。Blessye，laddie，Iamyourmither！"
　　Shetuckedthecoarsescarfshehadknitforhimcloseroverhischestandpulledhiscaploweroverhisears，butFreckles，whippingitoffandholdingitunderhisarm，caughtherrough，reddenedhandandpressedittohislipsinalongkiss。Thenhehurriedawaytohidethehappy，embarrassingtearsthatwerecomingstraightfromhisswellingheart。
　　Mrs。Duncan，sobbingunrestrainedly，sweptintotheadjoiningroomandthrewherselfintoDuncan'sarms。
　　"Oh，thepuirlad！"shewailed。"Oh，thepuirmither-hungrylad！
　　Hebreaksmyheart！"
　　Duncan'sarmsclosedconvulsivelyaroundhiswife。Withabig，brownhandhelovinglystrokedherrough，sorrelhair。
　　"Sarah，you'reaguidwoman！"hesaid。"You'reamichtyguidwoman！
　　Yehaeawayo'speakin'outattimesthat'sliketheinspiredprophetsoftheLord。Ifthathadbeenputtome，now，I'd`a'feltallIkenthowtoandbeenkeenenoughtosaytherichtthing；butdangit，I'd`a'stutteredandstammeredandgotnaethingoutthatwouldha'doneonybodyamiteo'good。Butye，Sarah！Didyeseehisface，woman？Yesenthimofflookin'lekeawhitelightofholinesshadpassedowerandsettledonhim。Yesenttheladawaytoohappyformortalwords，Sarah。Andyemademethatproudo'ye！
　　Iwouldnatradeyean'myshareo'theLimberlostwithonykingyecouldmention。"
　　Herelaxedhisclasp，andsettingaheavyhandoneachshoulder，helookedstraightintohereyes。
　　"Ye'reprime，Sarah！Juistprime！"hesaid。
　　SarahDuncanstoodaloneinthemiddleofhertwo-roomedlogcabinandliftedabony，clawlikepairofhands，reddenedbyfrequentimmersioninhotwater，crackedandchafedbyexposuretocold，black-linedbyconstantbattlewithswamp-loam，callousedwithburns，andstaredatthemwonderingly。
　　"Pretty-lookin'thingsyeare！"shewhispered。"Butyehaejuistbeenkissed。Andbysuchaman！FineasGodevermadeatHisverrabest。Duncanwouldnatradewi'aking！Na！NorIwadnatradewithaqueenwi'apalace，an'velvetgowns，an'diamondsbigashazelnuts，an'ahundredvisitorsadayintothebargain。
　　Ye'vebeenthathonoredI'mblestifIcanbeartosouseyeindish-water。Still，thatkisswinnacomeoff！Naethingcantakeitfromme，forit'sminetillIdee。Lord，ifIamnaproud！Kissesontheseoldclaws！Weel，Ibedrawedon！"
　　CHAPTERIII
　　WhereinaFeatherFallsandaSoulIsBornSoFrecklesfaredthroughthebitterwinter。Hewasveryhappy。
　　Hehadhungeredforfreedom，love，andappreciationsolong！
　　HehadbeenunspeakablylonelyattheHome；andtheutterlonelinessofagreatdesertorforestisnotsodifficulttoendureasthelonelinessofbeingconstantlysurroundedbycrowdsofpeoplewhodonotcareintheleastwhetheroneislivingordead。
　　AllthroughthewinterFreckles'entireenergywasgiventokeepinguphislinesandhis"chickens"fromfreezingorstarving。WhenthefirstbreathofspringtouchedtheLimberlost，andthesnowrecededbeforeit；whenthecatkinsbegantobloom；whentherecameahintofgreentothetrees，bushes，andswale；whentherushesliftedtheirheads，andthepulseofthenewlyresurrectedseasonbeatstronglyintheheartofnature，somethingnewstirredinthebreastoftheboy。
　　Naturealwayslevieshertribute。NowshelaidapowerfulhandonthesoulofFreckles，towhichtheboy'swholebeingresponded，thoughhehadnottheleastideawhatwastroublinghim。Duncanacceptedhiswife'stheorythatitwasatouchofspringfever，butFrecklesknewbetter。Heneverhadbeensowell。Clean，hot，andsteadythebloodpulsedinhisveins。Hewasalwayshungry，andhismostdifficultworktiredhimnotatall。Forlongmonths，withoutasingleintermission，hehadtrampedthosesevenmilesoftrailtwiceeachday，througheveryconceivablestateofweather。Withtheheavyclubhegavehiswiresasuretest，andbetweensections，firstinplay，afterwardtokeephiscirculationgoing，hehadacquiredtheskillofanexpertdrummajor。Inhisworktherewasexerciseforeverymuscleofhisbodyeachhouroftheday，atnightabath，wholesomefood，andsoundsleepinaroomthatneverknewfire。Hehadgainedfleshandcolor，anddevelopedagreaterstrengthandendurancethananyoneevercouldhaveguessed。
　　NordidtheLimberlostcontainlastyear'sterrors。Hehadbeenwithherinherhourofdesolation，whenstrippedbareanddeserted，shehadstoodshivering，asifherselfafraid。Hehadmadeexcursionsintotheinterioruntilhewasfamiliarwitheverypathandroadthateverhadbeencut。Hehadsoundedthedepthsofherdeepestpools，andhadlearnedwhythetreesgrewsomagnificently。
　　Hehadfoundthatplacesofswampandswalewerefewcomparedwithmilesofsolidtimber-land，concealedbysummer'sluxuriantundergrowth。
　　Thesoundsthatatfirsthadstruckcoldfearintohissoulhenowknewhadleftonwingandsilentfootattheapproachofwinter。
　　Asflockafterflockofthebirdsreturnedandherecognizedtheoldechoesreawakening，hefoundtohissurprisethathehadbeenlonelyforthemandwashailingtheirreturnwithgreatjoy。
　　Allhisfearswereforgotten。Instead，hewaspossessedofanoverpoweringdesiretoknowwhattheywere，tolearnwheretheyhadbeen，andwhethertheywouldmakefriendswithhimasthewinterbirdshaddone；andiftheydid，wouldtheybeasfickle？For，withtherunningsap，creepingworm，andwingingbug，mostofFreckles'
　　"chickens"haddesertedhim，enteredtheswamp，andfeastedtosuchastateofplethoraonitsstorethattheycaredlittleforhissupply，sothatinthestrenuousdaysofmatingandnest-buildingtheboywasdeserted。
　　Hechafedatthebirds'ingratitude，buthefoundspeedyconsolationinwatchingandbefriendingthenewcomers。Hesurelywouldhavebeenproudandhighlypleasedifhehadknownthatmanyoftheformerinhabitantsoftheinteriorswampnowgroupedtheirnestsbesidethetimber-linesolelyforthesakeofhisprotectionandcompany。
　　TheyearlyresurrectionoftheLimberlostisamightyrevival。
　　Frecklesstoodbackandwatchedwithaweandenvythegradualreclothingandrepopulationoftheswamp。Keen-eyedandalertthroughdangerandloneliness，henotedeverystageofdevelopment，fromthefirstpipingfrogandunsheathingbud，tofullleafageandthereturnofthelastmigrant。
　　Theknowledgeofhiscompletelonelinessandutterinsignificancewashourlythrustuponhim。Hebroodedandfretteduntilhewasinafever；yetheneverguessedthecause。Hewasfilledwithavastimpatience，alongingthathescarcelycouldendure。
　　ItwasJunebythezodiac，JunebytheLimberlost，andbyeverydelightofanewlyresurrectedseasonitshouldhavebeenJuneintheheartsofallmen。YetFrecklesscowleddarklyashecamedownthetrail，andtherunningTAP，TAPthattestedthesaggingwireandtelegraphedwordofhiscomingtohisfurredandfeatheredfriendsoftheswamp，thismorningcarriedthestoryofhisdiscontentamileaheadofhim。
　　Freckles'specialpet，adainty，yellow-coated，black-sleeved，cockgoldfinch，hadremainedonthewireforseveraldayspastthebravestofall；andFreckles，absorbedwiththecunningandbeautyofthetinyfellow，neverguessedthathewasbeingduped。Forthegoldfinchwasskipping，flirting，andswingingfortheexpresspurposeofsoholdinghisattentionthathewouldnotlookupandseeasmallcradleofthistledownandwoolperilouslynearhishead。
　　Inthebeginningofbrooding，thespunkylittlehomesteaderhadclungheroicallytothewirewhenhewasalmostparalyzedwithfright。
　　Whendayafterdaypassedandbroughtonlysoftlywhistledrepetitionsofhiscall，ahandfulofcrumbsonthetopofalocustline-post，andgentlywordedcoaxings，hegrewinconfidence。
　　OflatehehadsungandswungduringthepassingofFreckles，who，notdreamingofthenestandthesolemn-eyedlittlehensocloseabove，thoughthimselfunusuallygiftedinhispowertoattractthebirds。
　　Thismorningthegoldfinchscarcelycouldbelievehisears，andclungtothewireuntilanunusuallyviciousrapsenthimspinningafootinair，andhis"PTSEET"camewithasquallofutterpanic。
　　Thewireswereringingwithastorythebirdscouldnottranslate，andFreckleswasquiteasignorantofthetroubleasthey。
　　Apeculiarmovementbeneathasmallwalnuttreecaughthisattention。
　　Hestoppedtoinvestigate。TherewasanunusuallylargeLunacocoon，andthemothwasburstingtheupperendinitsstrugglestoreachlightandair。Frecklesstoodandstared。
　　"There'ssomethingintheretryingtogetout，"hemuttered。
　　"WonderifIcouldhelpit？GuessIbestnotbetrying。IfIhadn'thappenedalong，therewouldn'thavebeenanyonetodoanything，andmaybeI'donlybehurtingit。It's——it's——Oh，skaggany！It'sjustbeingborn！"
　　Frecklesgaspedwithsurprise。Themothclearedtheopening，andwithmanywabblingsandcontortionsclimbedupthetree。Hestaredspeechlesswithamazementasthemothcreptaroundalimbandclungtotheunderside。Therewasabigpursybody，almostaslargeashisthumb，andoftheverysnowiestwhitethatFreckleseverhadseen。
　　Therewasabandofdelicatelavenderacrossitsforehead，anditsfeetwereofthesamecolour；therewereantlers，liketiny，straw-coloredferns，onitshead，andfromitsshouldershungthecrumpledwetwings。AsFrecklesgazed，tensewithastonishment，hesawthatthesewereexpanding，drooping，takingoncolor，andsmall，ovalmarkingswerebeginningtoshow。
　　Theminutespassed。Freckles'steadygazeneverwavered。
　　Withoutrealizingit，hewastremblingwitheagernessandanxiety。
　　Ashesawwhatwastakingplace，"It'sgoingtofly，"hebreathedinhushedwonder。Themorningsunfellonthemothanddrieditsvelvetdown，whilethewarmairmadeitfluffy。Therapidlygrowingwingsbegantoshowthemostdelicategreen，withlavenderfore-ribs，transparent，eye-shapedmarkings，edgedwithlinesofred，tan，andblack，andlong，crisptrailers。
　　Freckleswaswhisperingtohimselfforfearofdisturbingthemoth。
　　Itbeganasystematicexerciseofraisingandloweringitsexquisitewingstodrythemandtoestablishcirculation。Theboyrealizedthatsoonitwouldbeabletospreadthemandsailaway。
　　Hislong-comingsoulsentupitsfirstshiveringcry。
　　"Idon'tknowwhatitis！Oh，IwishIknew！HowIwishIknew！
　　Itmustbesomethinggrand！Itcan'tbeabutterfly！It'sawaytoobig。Oh，Iwishtherewassomeonetotellmewhatitis！"
　　Heclimbedonthelocustpost，andbalancinghimselfwiththewire，heldafingerinthelineofthemoth'sadvanceupthetwig。
　　Itunhesitatinglyclimbedon，sohesteppedtothepath，holdingittothelightandexaminingitclosely。Thenhehelditintheshadeandturnedit，gloatingoveritsmarkingsandbeautifulcoloring。
　　Whenheheldthemothtothelimb，itclimbedon，stillwavingthosemagnificentwings。
　　"My，butI'dliketobestayingwithyou！"hesaid。"ButifIwastostandherealldayyoucouldn'tgrowanyprettierthanyouarerightnow，andIwouldn'tgrowsmartenoughtotellwhatyouare。
　　Isupposethere'ssomeonewhoknows。Ofcoursethereis！Mr。McLeansaidtherewerepeoplewhokneweveryleaf，bird，andflowerintheLimberlost。OhLord！HowIwishYou'dbetellingmejustthisonething！"
　　Thegoldfinchhadventuredbacktothewire，fortherewashismate，onlyafewinchesabovetheman-creature'shead；andindeed，hesimplymustnotbeallowedtolookup，sothebravelittlefellowrockedonthewireandpiped，ashehaddoneeverydayforaweek:"SEEME？SEEME？"
　　"Seeyou！OfcourseIseeyou，"growledFreckles。"Iseeyoudayafterday，andwhatgoodisitdoingme？Imightseeyoueverymorningforayear，andthennotbeabletobetellinganyoneaboutit。`Seenabirdwithblacksilkwings——little，andyellowasanycanary。'That'sasfarasI'dget。Whatyoudoinghere，anyway？
　　Haveyouamate？What'syourname？`Seeyou？'IreckonIseeyou；
　　butImightaswellbeblind，foranygoodit'sdoingme！"
　　Frecklesimpatientlystruckthewire。Withascreechoffear，thegoldfinchfledprecipitately。Hismatearosefromthenestwithawhirr——Freckleslookedupandsawit。
　　"O——ho！"hecried。"SoTHAT'Swhatyouaredoinghere！Youhaveawife。AndsoclosemyheadIhavebeenmightynearwearingabirdonmybonnet，andneverknewit！"
　　Freckleslaughedathisownjest，whileinbetterhumorheclimbedtoexaminetheneat，tinycradleanditscontents。Thehendartedathiminafrenzy。"Now，wheredoyoucomein？"hedemanded，whenhesawthatshewasnotsimilartothegoldfinch。
　　"Youbeclearingoutofhere！Thisisnoneofyourfry。Thisisthenestofmelittle，yellowfriendofthewire，andyoushan'tbetouchingit。Don'tblameyouforwantingtosee，though。My，butit'safinenestandbeautiesofeggs。Willyoubekeepingaway，orwillIfirethisstickatyou？"
　　Frecklesdroppedtothetrail。Thehendartedtothenestandsettledonitwithatender，coddlingmovement。Heoftheyellowcoatflewtotheedgetomakesurethateverythingwasright。
　　Itwouldhavebeenplaintotheveriestnovicethattheywerepartnersinthatcradle。
　　"Well，I'llbeswitched！"mutteredFreckles。"Ifthatain'tboththeirnest！Andhe'syellowandshe'sgreen，orshe'syellowandhe'sgreen。Ofcourse，Idon'tknow，andIhaven'tanywaytofindout，butit'splainasthenoseonyourfacethattheyarebothreadytobefightingforthatnest，so，ofcourse，theybelong。
　　Doesn'tthatbeatyou？Say，that'swhat'sbeenstickingmeallofthisweekonthatgrassnestinthethorntreedowntheline。
　　Onedayabluebirdissetting，soIthinkitishers。Thenextdayabrownbirdison，andIchaseitoffbecausethenestisblue's。
　　Nextdaythebrownbirdisonagain，andIletherbe，becauseI
　　thinkitmustbehers。Nextday，begolly，blue'son，andoffI
　　sendherbecauseit'sbrown's；andnow，Ibetmyhat，it'sboththeirnestandI'veonlybeenbotheringthemandmakingabigfoolofmesilf。PrettyspecimenIam，pretendingtobeafriendtothebirds，andsoblamedignorantIdon'tknowwhichonesgoinpairs，andblueandbrownareapair，ofcourse，ifyellowandgreenare——andthere'stheredbirds！Ineverthoughtofthem！He'sredandshe'sgray——andnowIwanttobeknowing，aretheyalldifferent？
　　Whyno！Ofcourse，theyain't！There'sthejaysallblue，andthecrowsallblack。"
　　ThetideofFreckles'discontentwelleduntilhealmostchokedwithangerandchagrin。Heploddeddownthetrail，scowlingblacklyandviciouslyspangingthewire。Atthefinches'nestheleftthelineandpeeredintothethorntree。Therewasnobirdbrooding。
　　Hepressedclosertotakeapeepatthesnowy，spotlesslittleeggshehadfoundsobeautiful，whenattheslightnoiseupraisedfourtinybabyheadswithwide-openmouths，utteringhungercries。
　　Frecklessteppedback。Thebrownbirdalightedontheedgeandclosedonecavitywithawigglinggreenworm，whilenottwominuteslaterthebluefilledanotherwithawhite。Thatsettledit。
　　Theblueandbrownweremates。OnceagainFrecklesrepeatedhis"HowIwishIknew！"
　　AroundthebridgespanningSleepySnakeCreektheswalespreadwidely，thetimberwasscattering，andwillows，rushes，marsh-
　　grass，andsplendidwildflowersgrewabundantly。Herelazy，big，blackwatersnakes，forwhichthecreekwasnamed，sunnedonthebushes，wildducksandgrebechattered，cranesandheronsfished，andmuskratsplowedthebankinqueer，rollingfurrows。
　　Itwasalwaysaplacefullofinterest，soFreckleslovedtolingeronthebridge，watchingthemarshandwaterpeople。Healsotransactedaffairsofimportancewiththewildflowersandsweetmarsh-grass。
　　Heenjoyedsplashingthroughtheshallowpoolsoneithersideofthebridge。
　　Then，too，wherethecreekenteredtheswampwasaplaceofunusualbeauty。Thewaterspreadindarksome，mossy，greenpools。
　　Water-plantsandliliesgrewluxuriantly，throwinguplarge，rank，greenleaves。NowhereelseintheLimberlostcouldbefoundfrog-musictoequalthatofthemouthofthecreek。Thedrummingandpipingrolledinnever-endingorchestraleffect，whilethefullchorusrangtoitsaccompanimentthroughouttheseason。
　　Frecklesslowlyfollowedthepathleadingfromthebridgetotheline。Itwastheonespotatwhichhemightrelaxhisvigilance。
　　Theboldesttimberthieftheswampeverhadknownwouldnothaveattemptedtoenteritbythemouthofthecreek，onaccountofthewaterandbecausetherewasnoprotectionfromsurroundingtrees。
　　Hewasbendingtherankgrasswithhiscudgel，andthinkingoftheshadethedenserswampafforded，whenhesuddenlydodgedsidewise；
　　thecudgelwhistledsharplythroughtheairandFrecklessprangback。
　　Fromtheclearskyabovehim，firstlevelwithhisface，thenskimming，dipping，tilting，whirlinguntilitstruck，quilldown，inthepathinfrontofhim，cameaglossy，iridescent，bigblackfeather。Asittouchedtheground，Frecklessnatcheditupwithalmostacontinuousmovementfacingthesky。Therewasnotatreeofanysizeinalargeopenspace。Therewasnowindtocarryit。Fromtheclearskyithadfallen，andFreckles，gazingeagerlyintothearchofJunebluewithafewlazycloudsfloatinghighintheseaofether，hadneithermindnorknowledgetodreamofabirdhangingasiffrozenthere。Heturnedthebigquillquestioningly，andagainhisawedeyessweptthesky。
　　"AfeatherdroppedfromHeaven！"hebreathedreverently。"Aretheholyangelsmoulting？Butno；iftheywere，itwouldbewhite。
　　Maybealltheangelsarenotforbeingwhite。WhatiftheangelsofGodarewhiteandthoseofthedevilareblack？Butablackonehasnobusinessupthere。Maybesomepoorblackangelissotiredofbeingpunishedit'sforslippingtothegates，beatingitswingstryingtomaketheMasterhear！"
　　AgainandagainFrecklessearchedthesky，buttherewasnoansweringgleamofgoldengates，noformofsailingbird；thenhewentslowlyonhisway，turningthefeatherandwonderingaboutit。
　　Itwasawingquill，eighteeninchesinlength，withaheavyspine，grayatthebase，shadingtojetblackatthetip，anditcaughttheplayofthesun'sraysinslantinggleamsofgreenandbronze。
　　AgainFreckles'"oldmanofthesea"satsullenandheavyonhisshouldersandweightedhimdownuntilhissteplaggedandhisheartached。
　　"Wherediditcomefrom？Whatisit？Oh，howIwishIknew！"hekeptrepeatingasheturnedandstudiedthefeather，withalmostunseeingeyes，sointentlywashethinking。
　　Beforehimspreadalarge，greenpool，filledwithrottinglogsandleaves，borderedwithdelicatefernsandgrassesamongwhichliftedthecreamyspikesofthearrow-head，theblueofwater-hyacinth，andthedelicateyellowofthejewel-flower。AsFrecklesleaned，handlingthefeatherandstaringatit，thenintothedepthsofthepool，heoncemoregavevoicetohisoldquery:"Iwonderwhatitis！"
　　Straightacrossfromhim，couchedinthemossesofasoggyoldlog，abiggreenbullfrog，withpalpitantthroatandbattingeyes，liftedhisheadandbellowedinanswer。"FIN'DOUT！FIN'DOUT！"
　　"Wha——what'sthat？"stammeredFreckles，almosttoomuchbewilderedtospeak。"I——Iknowyouareonlyabullfrog，but，bejabbers，thatsoundedmightilylikespeech。Wouldn'tyoupleasetobesayingitover？"
　　Thebullfrogcuddledcontentedlyintheooze。Thensuddenlyheliftedhisvoice，and，asanimperativedrumbeat，rolleditagain:
　　"FIN'DOUT！FIN'DOUT！FINDOUT！"
　　Freckleshadtheanswer。Somethingseemedtosnapinhisbrain。
　　Therewasawaveringflamebeforehiseyes。Thenhismindcleared。
　　Hisheadliftedinanewpoise，hisshoulderssquared，whilehisspinestraightened。Theagonywasover。Hissoulfloatedfree。
　　Frecklescameintohisbirthright。
　　"BeforeGod，Iwill！"Heutteredtheoathsoimpressivelythattherecordingangelneverwincedasheposteditintheprayercolumn。
　　Frecklessethishatoverthetopofoneofthelocustpostsusedbetweentreestoholdupthewirewhilehefastenedthefeathersecurelyintheband。Thenhestarteddowntheline，talkingtohimselfasmenwhohaveworkedlongalonealwaysfallintothehabitofdoing。
　　"WhatafoolIhavebeen！"hemuttered。"Ofcoursethat'swhatI
　　havetodo！Therewouldn'tlikelyanybodybedoingitforme。
　　OfcourseIcan！WhatamIamanfor？IfIwasafour-footedthingoftheswamp，maybeIcouldn't；butamancandoanythingifhe'sthegrittoworkhardenoughandstickatit，Mr。McLeanisalwayssaying，andhere'sthewayIamtodoit。Hesaid，too，thattherewerepeoplethatkneweverythingintheswamp。Ofcoursetheyhavewrittenbooks！Thethingformetobedoingistoquitmopingandbebuyingsome。Neverboughtabookinmelife，oranythingelseofmuchaccount，forthatmatter。Oh，ain'tIgladIdidn'twastememoney！