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。