CHAPTERX
　　WhereinFrecklesStrivesMightilyandtheSwampAngelRewardsHimTheBirdWomanandtheAngeldidnotseemtocountinthecommonrun，fortheyarrivedontimeforthethirdoftheseriesandfoundMcLeanonthelinetalkingtoFreckles。TheBosswasfilledwithenthusiasmoveramarsharticleoftheBirdWoman'sthathejusthadread。Hebeggedtobeallowedtoaccompanyherintotheswampandwatchthemethodbywhichshesecuredanillustrationinsuchalocation。
　　TheBirdWomanexplainedtohimthatitwasaneasymatterwiththesubjectshethenhadinhand；andasLittleChickenwastoosmalltobefrightenedbyhim，andbigenoughtobegrowingtroublesome，shewasgladforhiscompany。Theywenttothechickenlogtogether，leavingtothehappyFrecklesthecareoftheAngel，whohadbroughtherbanjoandarollofsongsthatshewantedtohearhimsing。TheBirdWomantoldthemthattheymightpracticeinFreckles'roomuntilshefinishedwithLittleChicken，andthensheandMcLeanwouldcometotheconcert。
　　Itwasalmostthreehoursbeforetheyfinishedandcamedownthewesttrailfortheirrestandlunch。McLeanwalkedahead，keepingsharpwatchonthetrailandclearingitoffallenlimbsfromoverhangingtrees。Hesentabigpieceofbarkflyingintotheswale，andthenstoppedshortandstaredatthetrail。
　　TheBirdWomanbentforward。TogethertheystudiedthatimprintoftheAngel'sfoot。Atlasttheireyesmet，theBirdWoman'sfilledwithastonishment，andMcLean'shumidwithpity。Neithersaidaword，buttheyknew。McLeanenteredtheswaleandhuntedupthebark。
　　Hereplacedit，andtheBirdWomancarefullysteppedover。Astheyreachedthebushesattheentrance，thevoiceoftheAngelstoppedthem，foritwascommandingandfilledwithmuchimpatience。
　　"FrecklesJamesRossMcLean！"shewassaying。"Youfillmewithdark-bluedespair！You'resingingasifyourvoicewereglassandmightbreakatanyminute。Whydon'tyousingasyoudidaweekago？
　　Answermethat，please。"
　　FrecklessmiledconfusedlyattheAngel，whosatononeofhisfancyseats，playinghisaccompanimentonherbanjo。
　　"Youareafraud，"shesaid。"Hereyouwentlastweekandledmetothinkthattherewasthemakingofagreatsingerinyou，andnowyouaresinging——doyouknowhowbadlyyouaresinging？"
　　"Yis，"saidFrecklesmeekly。"I'mthinkingI'mtoohappytobesingingwelltoday。Themusicdon'tcomerightonlywhenI'mlonesomeandsad。Theworld'sforbeingallsunshineatprisint，foramongyouandMr。McLeanandtheBirdWomanI'mafterbeingTHAThappythatIcan'tkeepmethoughtsonmenotes。It'smorethansorryIamtobedisappointingyou。Playitover，andI'llbebeginningagain，andthistimeI'llholdhard。"
　　"Well，"saidtheAngeldisgustedly，"itseemstomethatifIhadallthethingstobeproudofthatyouhave，I'dliftupmyheadandsing！"
　　"AndwhatisitI'vetobeproudof，ma'am？"politelyinquiredFreckles。
　　"Why，awholeworldfulofthings，"criedtheAngelexplosively。
　　"Foronething，youcanbegoodandproudoverthewayyou'vekeptthetimberthievesoutofthislease，andthetrustyourfatherhasinyou。Youcanbeproudthatyou'veneverevenoncedisappointedhimorfailedinwhathebelievedyoucoulddo。Youcanbeproudoverthewayeveryonespeaksofyouwithtrustandhonor，andabouthowbraveofheartandstrongofbodyyouareIheardabigmansayafewdaysagothattheLimberlostwasfullofdisagreeablethings——positivedangers，unhealthfulasitcouldbe，andthatsincethememoryofthefirstsettlersithasbeenarendezvousforrunaways，thieves，andmurderers。Thisswampisnamedforamanthatwaslosthereandwanderedaround`tilhestarved。ThatmanI
　　wastalkingwithsaidhewouldn'ttakeyourjobforathousanddollarsamonth——infact，hesaidhewouldn'thaveitforanymoney，andyou'venevermissedadayorlostatree。Proud！Why，I
　　shouldthinkyouwouldjustparadearoundaboutproperoverthat！
　　"AndyoucanalwaysbeproudthatyouarebornanIrishman。MyfatherisIrish，andifyouwanttoseehimgetupandstrutgivehimateenyopeningtoenlargeonhisrace。HesaysthatiftheIrishhaddecentterritorythey'dleadtheworld。Hesaysthey'vealwaysbeenhandicappedbylackofspaceandoffertilesoil。
　　HesaysifIrelandhadbeenasbigandfertileasIndiana，why，Englandwouldn'teverhavehadtheupperhand。She'donlybeanappendage。FancyEnglandanappendage！HesaysIrelandhasthefinestoratorsandthekeeneststatesmeninEuropetoday，andwhenEnglandwantstofight，withwhomdoesshefillhertrenches？
　　Irishmen，ofcourse！Irelandhasthegreenestgrassandtrees，thefineststonesandlakes，andthey'vejaunting-cars。Idon'tknowjustexactlywhattheyare，butIrelandhasallthereare，anyway。
　　They'vealotofgreatactors，andafewsingers，andthereneverwasasweeterpoetthanoneoftheirs。Youshouldhearmyfatherrecite`DearHarpofMyCountry。'Hedoesitthisway。"
　　TheAngelarose，madeanelaborateold-timebow，andholdingupthebanjo，recitedinclippingfeetandmeter，withrhythmicswingandatouchofbroguethatwassimplyirresistible:
　　"Dearharpofmycountry"[TheAngelardentlyclaspedthebanjo]，"IndarknessIfoundthee"[Sheheldittothelight]，"Thecoldchainofsilencehadhungo'ertheelong"[Shemutedthestringswithherrosypalm]；
　　"Thenproudly，myownIrishharp，Iunboundthee"[Shethrewupherheadandsweptaringingharmony]；
　　"Andgaveallthychordstolight，freedom，andsong"[ShecrashedintothenotesoftheaccompanimentshehadbeenplayingforFreckles]。
　　"That'swhatyouwanttobethinkingof！"shecried。"Notdarkness，andlonesomeness，andsadness，but`light，freedom，andsong。'
　　Ican'tbegintothinkoffhandofallthebig，splendidthingsanIrishmanhastobeproudof；butwhatevertheyare，theyareallyours，andyouareapartofthem。Ijustdespisethat`saddest-
　　when-I-sing'business。Youcansing！Nowyougooverthereanddoit！Irelandhashadherstatesmen，warriors，actors，andpoets；nowyoubehervoice！Youstandrightouttherebeforethecathedraldoor，andI'mgoingtocomedowntheaisleplayingthataccompaniment，andwhenIstopinfrontofyou——yousing！"
　　TheAngel'sfaceworeanunusualflush。Hereyeswereflashingandshewaspalpitatingwithearnestness。
　　Shepartedthebushesanddisappeared。Freckles，straightandtense，stoodwaiting。Presently，beforehesawshewasthere，shewascomingdowntheaisletowardhim，playingcompellingly，andriftsoflightweretouchingherwithgoldenglory。Frecklesstoodasiftransfixed。
　　Thecathedralwasmajesticallybeautiful，fromarcheddomeoffrescoedgold，green，andblueinnever-endingshadesandharmonies，tothemosaicaisleshetrod，richlyinlaidinchoicestcolors，andgiganticpillarsthatwereGod'shandiworkfashionedandperfectedthroughagesofsunshineandrain。ButthefairyoungfaceanddivinelymoldedformoftheAngelwereHismostperfectworkofall。Neverhadsheappearedsosurpassinglybeautiful。
　　Shewassmilingencouraginglynow，andasshecametowardhim，shestruckthechordsfullandstrong。
　　TheheartofpoorFrecklesalmostburstwithdullpainandhisgreatloveforher。Inhisdesiretofulfillherexpectationsheforgoteverythingelse，andwhenshereachedhisinitialchordhewasready。Heliterallyburstforth:
　　"ThreelittleleavesofIrishgreen，Unitedononestem，Love，truth，andvalordotheymean，Theyformamagicgem。"
　　TheAngel'seyeswidenedcuriouslyandherlipsparted。Adeepcolorsweptintohercheeks。Shehadintendedtoarousehim。
　　Shehadmorethansucceeded。Shewastooyoungtoknowthatintheefforttorouseaman，womenfrequentlykindlefiresthattheyneithercanquenchnorcontrol。Freckleswaslookingoverherheadnowandsingingthatsong，asitneverhadbeensungbefore，forheralone；andinsteadofherhelpinghim，asshehadintended，hewascarryingherwithhimonthewavesofhisvoice，away，awayintoanotherworld。Whenhestruckintothechorus，wide-eyedandpanting，shewasswayingtowardhimandplayingwithallhermight。
　　"Oh，doyoulove？Oh，sayyouloveYoulovetheshamrockgreen！"
　　Atthelastnote，Freckles'voiceceasedandhelookedattheAngel。
　　Hehadgivenhisbestandhisall。Hefellonhiskneesandfoldedhisarmsacrosshisbreast。TheAngel，asifmagnetized，walkedstraightdowntheaisletohim，andrunningherfingersintothecrispmassesofhisredhair，tiltedhisheadbackandlaidherlipsonhisforehead。
　　Thenshesteppedbackandfacedhim。"Goodboy！"shesaid，inavoicethatwaveredfromthethrobbingofhershakenheart。
　　"Dearboy！Iknewyoucoulddoit！Iknewitwasinyou！
　　Freckles，whenyougointotheworld，ifyoucanfaceabigaudienceandsinglikethat，justonce，youwillbeimmortal，andanythingyouwantwillbeyours。"
　　"Anything！"gaspedFreckles。
　　"Anything，"saidtheAngel。
　　Frecklesarose，mutteredsomething，andcatchinguphisoldbucket，plungedintotheswampblindlyonapretenceofbringingwater。
　　TheAngelwalkedslowlyacrossthestudy，satontherusticbench，and，throughnarrowedlids，intentlystudiedthetipofhershoe。
　　OnthetrailtheBirdWomanwheeledtoMcLeanwithadumbfoundedlook。
　　"God！"mutteredhe。
　　AtlasttheBirdWomanspoke。
　　"DoyouthinktheAngelknewshedidthat？"sheaskedsoftly。
　　"No，"saidMcLean；"Idonot。Butthepoorboyknewit。Heavenhelphim！"
　　TheBirdWomanstaredacrossthegentlywavingswale。"Idon'tseehowIamgoingtoblameher，"shesaidatlast。"It'ssoexactlywhatIwouldhavedonemyself。"
　　"Saytheremainder，"demandedMcLeanhoarsely。"Dohimjustice。"
　　"Hewasbornagentleman，"concededtheBirdWoman。"Hetooknoadvantage。Heneverevenofferedtotouchher。Whateverthatkissmeanttohim，herecognizedthatitwasthelovingimpulseofachildunderstressofstrongemotion。Hewasfineandmanlyasanymanevercouldhavebeen。"
　　McLeanliftedhishat。"Thankyou，"hesaidsimply，andpartedthebushesforhertoenterFreckles'room。
　　Itwasherfirstvisit。Beforesheleftshesentforhercamerasandmadestudiesofeachsideofitandofthecathedral。Shewasentrancedwiththedelicatebeautyoftheplace，whilehereyeskeptfollowingFrecklesasifshecouldnotbelievethatitcouldbehisconceptionandwork。
　　Thatwasahappyday。TheBirdWomanhadbroughtalunch，andtheyspreadit，withFreckles'dinner，onthestudyfloorandsat，restingandenjoyingthemselves。ButtheAngelputherbanjointoitscase，silentlygatheredhermusic，andnoonementionedtheconcert。
　　TheBirdWomanleftMcLeanandtheAngeltoclearawaythelunch，andwithFrecklesexaminedthewallsofhisroomandtoldhimallsheknewabouthisshrubsandflowers。Sheanalyzedacardinal-flowerandshowedhimwhathehadwantedtoknowallsummer——whythebeesbuzzedineffectuallyarounditwhilethehumming-birdsfoundinitanever-readyfeast。Someofhisspecimensweresorarethatshewasunfamiliarwiththem，andwiththeflowerbookbetweenthemtheyknelt，studyingthedifferentvarieties。Shewanderedthelengthofthecathedralaislewithhim，anditwasathersuggestionthathelightedhisaltarwitharowofflamingfoxfire。
　　AsFrecklescametothecabinfromhislongdayattheswamphesawMrs。Chickensweepingtothesouthandwonderedwhereshewasgoing。
　　Hesteppedintothebright，cosylittlekitchen，andashereacheddownthewash-basinheaskedMrs。Duncanaquestion。
　　"MotherDuncan，dokisseswashoff？"
　　Sowarmawavesweptherheartthatahalf-flushmantledherface。
　　Shestraightenedhershouldersandglancedatherhandstenderly。
　　"Lord，na！Freckles，"shecried。"Atleast，theanesyegetfrompeopleyelovedinna。Theydinnastayontheoutside。Theystrikeinuntiltheyfindthecenterofyourheartandmaketheirstopping-placethere，andnaethingcantakethemfromye——Idoubtifevendeath——Na，lad，yecanbereetsurekissesdinnawashoff！"
　　Frecklessetthebasindownandmutteredasheplungedhishot，tiredfaceintothewater，"Ineedn'tbeafraidtobewashing，then，forthatonestruckin。"
　　CHAPTERXI
　　WhereintheButterfliesGoonaSpreeandFrecklesInformstheBirdWoman"Iwish，"saidFrecklesatbreakfastonemorning，"thatIhadsomewaytobesendingamessagetotheBirdWoman。I'vesomethingattheswampthatI'mbelievingneverhappenedbefore，andsurelyshe'llbewantingit。"
　　"Whatnow，Freckles？"askedMrs。Duncan。
　　"Why，theoddestthingyoueverheardof，"saidFreckles；"thewholeinsecttribegoneonaspree。I'msupposingit'smydoings，butitallhappenedbyaccident，like。Yousee，ontheswalesideoftheline，rightagainstmetrail，there'soneofthesescrubwildcrabtrees。Wherethegrassgrowsthickaroundit，isthefinestplaceyoueverconceivedofforsnakes。Havingwomenabouthassetmetryingtocleanoutthosefellowsabit，andyesterdayInoticedthattreeinpassing。Itstruckmethatitwouldbeagoodideatobetakingitout。FirstIthoughtI'dtakemehatchetandcutitdown，foritain'tthickerthanmeupperarm。ThenI
　　rememberedhowitwasbloominginthespringandfillingalltheairwithsweetness。Thecoloringoftheblossomsisbeautiful，andIhatedtobekillingit。Ijustcutthegrassshortallaroundit。
　　ThenIstartedattheground，trimmedupthetrunkneartheheightofmeshoulder，andleftthetopspreading。Thatmadeitlooksotrulyornamentalthat，idlelike，Ichipsofftheroughplacesneat，andthismorning，onmesoul，it'sasight！Yousee，cuttingoffthelimbsandtrimmingupthetrunksetsthesaprunning。Inthishotsunitfermentsinafewhours。Thereisn'tmuchroomformorethingstocrowdonthattreethanthereare，andtogetdrunkerisn'tnowayspossible。"
　　"Weel，Ibedrawedon！"exclaimedMrs。Duncan。"Whatkindofthingsdoyemean，Freckles？"
　　"Why，justanarmyofblackants。Someofthemaresuckingawaylikeoldtopers。Someofthemaresettingupontheirtailsandhindlegs，fiddlingwiththeirfore-feetandwipingtheireyes。
　　Somearerollingaroundontheground，contented。Therearequantitiesofbigblue-bottlefliesoverthebarkandhangingonthegrassesaround，toodrunktosteeracourseflying；sotheyjustbuzzawaylikeflying，andallthetimesittingstill。
　　Thesnake-feedersaretoofulltofeedanything——evenmoresaptothemselves。There'salotofhard-backedbugs——beetles，I
　　guess——coloredlikethebrown，blue，andblackofapeacock'stail。
　　Theyhangonuntilthelegsofthemaresowaketheycan'tstickaminutelonger，andthentheybreakawayandfalltotheground。
　　Theyjustlaythereontheirbacks，fablyclawingair。Whenitwearsoffabit，uptheyget，andgocrawlingbackformore，andtheysofulltheybumpintoeachotherandrollover。Sometimestheycan'tclimbthetreeuntiltheywaittosoberupalittle。
　　There'salotofbigblack-and-goldbumblebees，doneforentire，stumblingoverthebarkandrollingontheground。Theyjustlaythereontheirbacks，rockingfromsidetoside，singingtothemselveslikefat，happybabies。Thewildbeeskeepupasteadybuzzingwiththebeatingoftheirwings。
　　"Thebutterfliesaretheworstoldtopersofthemall。They'rejustacircus！Youneversawthelikeofthebeauties！Theycomeeverycoloryoucouldbenaming，andeveryshapeyoucouldbethinkingup。
　　Theydrinkanddrinkuntil，ifI'mdrivingthemaway，theystaggerastheyflyandturnsomersaultsintheair。IfIlavethemalone，theyclingtothegrasses，shiveringhappylike；andI'mblest，MotherDuncan，ifthebestofthemcouldbeunlockingthefrontdoorwithaleadpencil，even。"
　　"Ineverheardofanythingsaesurprising，"saidMrs。Duncan。
　　"It'sararesighttowatchthem，andnooneevermadeapictureofathinglikethatbefore，I'mforthinking，"saidFrecklesearnestly。
　　"Na，"saidMrs。Duncan。"Yecanbeprettysuretheredidna。TheBirdWomanmusthavewordinsomeway，ifyewalkthelineandI
　　walktotownandtellher。Ifyethinkyecanwaituntilaftersupper，Iammostsureyecangangyoursel'，forDuncaniscominghomeandhe'dbegladtowatchforye。Ifhedoesnacome，andnaanepassesthatIcansendwordwithtoday，Ireallywillgangearlyinthemorningandtellhermysel'。"
　　Frecklestookhislunchandwenttotheswamp。Hewalkedandwatchedeagerly。Hecouldfindnotraceofanything，yethefeltatensenervousness，asiftroublemightbebrooding。Heexaminedeverysectionofthewire，andkeptwatchfuleyesonthegrassesoftheswale，inanefforttodiscoverifanyonehadpassedthroughthem；buthecoulddiscovernotraceofanythingtojustifyhisfears。
　　Hetiltedhishatbrimtoshadehisfaceandlookedforhischickens。
　　Theywerehangingalmostbeyondsightinthesky。
　　"Gee！"hesaid。"IfIonlyhadyoursharpeyesandconvenientlocationnow，Iwouldn'tneedbetroublingso。"
　　Hereachedhisroomandcautiouslyscannedtheentrancebeforehesteppedin。Thenhepushedthebushesapartwithhisrightarmandentered，hislefthandonthebuttofhisfavoriterevolver。
　　Instantlyheknewthatsomeonehadbeenthere。Hesteppedtothecenteroftheroom，closelyscanningeachwallandthefloor。
　　Hecouldfindnotraceofacluetoconfirmhisbelief，yetsointimatewashewiththespiritoftheplacethatheknew。
　　Howheknewhecouldnothavetold，yethedidknowthatsomeonehadenteredhisroom，satonhisbenches，andwalkedoverhisfloor。
　　Hewassurestaroundthecase。Nothingwasdisturbed，yetitseemedtoFrecklesthathecouldseewherepryingfingershadtriedthelock。Hesteppedbehindthecase，carefullyexaminingthegroundallaroundit，andclosebesidethetreetowhichitwasnailedhefoundadeep，freshfootprintinthespongysoil——along，narrowprint，thatwasnevermadebythefootofWessner。Hishearttuggedinhisbreastashementallymeasuredtheprint，buthedidnotlinger，fornowthefeelingarosethathewasbeingwatched。
　　Itseemedtohimthathecouldfeeltheeyesofsomeintruderathisback。Heknewhewasexaminingthingstooclosely:ifanyonewerewatching，hedidnotwanthimtoknowthathefeltit。
　　Hetookthemostopenway，andcarriedwaterforhisflowersandmossasusual；butheputhimselfintonopositioninwhichhewasfullyexposed，andhishandwasclosehisrevolverconstantly。
　　Growingrestiveatlastunderthestrain，heplungedboldlyintotheswampandsearchedminutelyallaroundhisroom，buthecouldnotdiscovertheleastthingtogivehimfurthercauseforalarm。
　　Heunlockedhiscase，tookouthiswheel，andfortheremainderofthedayherodeandwatchedasheneverhadbefore。Severaltimeshelockedthewheelandcrossedtheswamponfoot，zigzaggingtocoverallthespacepossible。Everyrodhetraveledheusedthecautionthatsprangfromknowledgeofdangerandthedirectionfromwhichitprobablywouldcome。SeveraltimeshethoughtofsendingforMcLean，butforhislifehecouldnotmakeuphismindtodoitwithnothingmoretangiblethanonefootprinttojustifyhim。
　　HewaiteduntilhewassureDuncanwouldbeathome，ifhewerecomingforthenight，beforehewenttosupper。Thefirstthinghesawashecrossedtheswalewasthebigbaysintheyard。
　　Therehadbeennoonepassingthatday，andDuncanreadilyagreedtowatchuntilFrecklesrodetotown。HetoldDuncanofthefootprint，andurgedhimtoguardclosely。Duncansaidhemightresteasy，andfillinghispipeandtakingagoodrevolver，thebigmanwenttotheLimberlost。
　　Frecklesmadehimselfcleanandneat，andracedtotown，butitwasnightandthestarswereshiningbeforehereachedthehomeoftheBirdWoman。Fromafarhecouldseethatthehousewasablazewithlights。Thelawnandverandawerestrungwithfancylanternsandalivewithpeople。Hethoughthiserrandimportant，sototurnbackneveroccurredtoFreckles。Thiswasallthetimeoropportunityhewouldhave。HemustseetheBirdWoman，andseeheratonce。
　　Heleanedhiswheelinsidethefenceandwalkedupthebroadfrontentrance。Ashenearedthesteps，hesawthattheplacewasswarmingwithyoungpeople，andtheAngel，withanexcusetoagroupthatsurroundedher，camehurryingtohim。
　　"OhFreckles！"shecrieddelightedly。"Soyoucouldcome？Weweresoafraidyoucouldnot！I'masgladasIcanbe！"
　　"Idon'tunderstand，"saidFreckles。"Wereyouexpectingme？"
　　"Whyofcourse！"exclaimedtheAngel。"Haven'tyoucometomyparty？
　　Didn'tyougetmyinvitation？Isentyouone。"
　　"Bymail？"askedFreckles。
　　"Yes，"saidtheAngel。"Ihadtohelpwiththepreparations，andI
　　couldn'tfindtimetodriveout；butIwroteyoualetter，andtoldyouthattheBirdWomanwasgivingapartyforme，andwewantedyoutocome，surely。ItoldthemattheofficetoputitwithMr。
　　Duncan'smail。"
　　"Thenthat'slikelywhereitisatpresent，"saidFreckles。
　　"Duncancomestotownonlyonceaweek，andattimesnotthat。
　　He'shometonightforthefirstinaweek。He'swatchinganhourformeuntilIcometotheBirdWomanwithabitofworkIthoughtshe'dbecaringtohearaboutbad。IsshewhereI
　　canseeher？"
　　TheAngel'sfaceclouded。
　　"Whatadisappointment！"shecried。"Ididsowantallmyfriendstoknowyou。Can'tyoustayanyway？"
　　Frecklesglancedfromhiswading-bootstothepatentleathersofsomeoftheAngel'sfriends，andsmiledwhimsically，buttherewasnodangerofhisevermisjudgingheragain。
　　"YouknowIcannot，Angel，"hesaid。
　　"IamafraidIdo，"shesaidruefully。"It'stoobad！ButthereisathingIwantforyoumorethantocometomyparty，andthatistohangonandwinwithyourwork。Ithinkofyoueveryday，andI
　　justpraythatthosethievesarenotgettingaheadofyou。
　　Oh，Freckles，dowatchclosely！"
　　Shewassolovelyapictureasshestoodbeforehim，ardentinhiscause，thatFrecklescouldnottakehiseyesfromhertonoticewhatherfriendswerethinking。Ifshedidnotmind，whyshouldhe？
　　Anyway，iftheyreallyweretheAngel'sfriends，probablytheywerebetteraccustomedtoherwaysthanhe。
　　Herfaceandbaredneckandarmswerelikethewildrosebloom。
　　Hersoftfrockofwhitetulleliftedandstirredaroundherwiththegentleeveningair。Thebeautifulgoldenhair，thatcreptaroundhertemplesandearsasifitlovedtoclingthere，wascaughtbackandboundwithbroadbluesatinribbon。Therewasasashofblueatherwaist，andknotsofitcatchingupherdraperies。
　　"MustIgoaftertheBirdWoman？"shepleaded。
　　"Indade，youmust，"answeredFrecklesfirmly。
　　TheAngelwentaway，butreturnedtosaythattheBirdWomanwastellingastorytothoseinsideandshecouldnotcomeforashorttime。
　　"Youwon'tcomein？"shepleaded。
　　"Imustnot，"saidFreckles。"Iamnotdressedtobeamongyourfriends，andImightbeforgettingmeselfandstaytoolong。"
　　"Then，"saidtheAngel，"wemustn'tgothroughthehouse，becauseitwoulddisturbthestory；butIwantyoutocometheoutsidewaytotheconservatoryandhavesomeofmybirthdaylunchandsomecaketotaketoMrs。Duncanandthebabies。Won'tthatbefun？"
　　Frecklesthoughtthatitwouldbemorethanfun，andfolloweddelightedly。
　　TheAngelgavehimabigglass，brimmingwithsomeicy，sparklingliquidthatstruckhispalateasitneverhadbeentouchedbefore，becauseacombinationoffrostyfruitjuiceshadnotbeenafrequentbeveragewithhim。Thenightwaswarm，andtheAngelmostbeautifulandkind。Atripledeliriumofspirit，mind，andbodyseizeduponhimanddevelopedaboldnessallunnatural。Heslightlypartedtheheavycurtainsthatseparatedtheconservatoryfromthecompanyandlookedbetween。Healmoststoppedbreathing。Hehadreadofthingslikethat，butheneverhadseenthem。
　　Theopenspaceseemedtostretchthroughhalfadozenrooms，allablazewithlights，perfumedwithflowers，andfilledwithelegantlydressedpeople。Therewereglimpsesofpolishedfloors，sparklingglass，andfinefurnishings。Fromsomewhere，thevoiceofhisbelovedBirdWomanaroseandfell。
　　TheAngelcrowdedbesidehimandwaswatchingalso。
　　"Doesn'titlookpretty？"shewhispered。
　　"DoyousupposeHeavenisanyfinerthanthat？"askedFreckles。
　　TheAngelbegantolaugh。
　　"Doyouwanttobelaughingharderthanthat？"queriedFreckles。
　　"Alaughisalwaysgood，"saidtheAngel。"Alittlemoreavoirdupoiswon'thurtme。Goahead。"
　　"Wellthen，"saidFreckles，"it'sonlythatIfeelalloverasifIbelongedthere。Icouldwearfineclothes，andmoveoverthosefloors，andholdmeownagainstthebestofthem。"
　　"Butwheredoesmylaughcomein？"demandedtheAngel，asifshehadbeendefrauded。
　　"Andyouaskmewherethelaughcomesin，lookingmeinthefaceafterthat，"marveledFreckles。
　　"Iwouldn'tbesofoolishastolaughatsuchamanifesttruthasthat，"saidtheAngel。"AnyonewhoknowsyouevenhalfaswellasIdo，knowsthatyouareneverguiltyofadiscourtesy，andyoumovewithtwicethegraceofanymanhere。Whyshouldn'tyoufeelasifyoubelongedwherepeoplearegracefulandcourteous？"
　　"Onmesoul！"saidFreckles，"youarekindtobethinkingit。
　　Youaredoublykindtobesayingit。"
　　Thecurtainspartedandawomancametowardthem。Hersilksandlacestrailedacrossthepolishedfloors。Thelightsgleamedonherneckandarms，andflashedfromrarejewels。Shewassmilingbrightly；anduntilshespoke，FreckleshadnotrealizedfullythatitwashislovedBirdWoman。
　　Noticinghisbewilderment，shecried:"Why，Freckles！Don'tyouknowmeinmywarclothes？"
　　"IdointheuniforminwhichyoufighttheLimberlost，"saidFreckles。
　　TheBirdWomanlaughed。Thenhetoldherwhyhehadcome，butshescarcelycouldbelievehim。Shecouldnotsayexactlywhenshewouldgo，butshewouldmakeitassoonaspossible，forshewasmostanxiousforthestudy。
　　Whiletheytalked，theAngelwasbusypackingaboxofsandwiches，cake，fruit，andflowers。Shegavehimalastfrostyglass，thankedhimrepeatedlyforbringingnewsofnewmaterial；thenFreckleswentintothenight。HerodetowardtheLimberlostwithhiseyesonthestars。Presentlyheremovedhishat，hungittohisbelt，andruffledhishairtothesweepofthenightwind。Hefilledtheairallthewaywithsnatchesoforatorios，gospelhymns，anddialectandcoonsongs，inastartlinglyvariedprogramme。TheonethingFrecklesknewthathecoulddowastosing。TheDuncansheardhimcomingamileupthecorduroyandcouldnotbelievetheirsenses。
　　Frecklesunfastenedtheboxfromhisbelt，andgaveMrs。Duncanandthechildrenalltheeatablesitcontained，exceptonebigpieceofcakethathecarriedtothesweet-lovingDuncan。Heputtheflowersbackintheboxandsetitamonghisbooks。Hedidnotsayanything，buttheyunderstooditwasnottobetouched。
　　"Thae'sFreckles'flow'rs，"saidatinyScotsman，"but，"headdedcheerfully，"it'soorsweeties！"
　　Freckles'faceslowlyflushedashetookDuncan'scakeandstartedtowardtheswamp。WhileDuncanate，Frecklestoldhimsomethingabouttheevening，aswellashecouldfindwordstoexpresshimself，andthebigmanwassoamazedhekeptforgettingthetreatinhishands。
　　ThenFrecklesmountedhiswheelandbeganaspinthatterminatedonlywhenthebiggestPlymouthRockinDuncan'scoopsalutedanewday，andlonglinesoflightreddenedtheeast。Asherodehesang，whilehesangheworshiped，butthegodhetriedtoglorifywasadimandfarawaymystery。TheAngelwaswarmfleshandblood。
　　Everytimehepassedthelittlebark-coveredimprintonthetrailhedismounted，removedhishat，solemnlykneltandlaidhislipsontheimpression。Becausehekeptnoaccounthimself，onlythelaughing-facedoldmanofthemoonknewhowoftenithappened；andasfromthebeginning，tothefolliesofearththatgentlemanhaseverbeenkind。
　　WiththenearapproachofdawnFrecklestunedhislastnote。
　　Weariedalmosttofalling，heturnedfromthetrailintothepathleadingtothecabinforafewhours'rest。
　　CHAPTERXII
　　WhereinBlackJackCapturesFrecklesandtheAngelCapturesJackAsFrecklesleftthetrail，fromtheswaleclosethesouthentrance，fourlargemuscularmenaroseandswiftlyandcarefullyenteredtheswampbythewagonroad。Twoofthemcarriedabigsaw，thethird，coilsofropeandwire，andallofthemwereheavilyarmed。
　　Theyleftonemanonguardattheentrance。Theotherthreemadetheirwaythroughthedarknessasbesttheycould，andweresoonatFreckles'room。Hehadlefttheswamponhiswheelfromthewesttrail。Theycountedonhisreturningonthewheelandcirclingtheeastlinebeforehecamethere。
　　AlittlebelowthewestentrancetoFreckles'room，BlackJacksteppedintotheswale，andbindingawiretightlyaroundascruboak，carrieditbelowthewavinggrasses，stretchedittautacrossthetrail，andfastenedittoatreeintheswamp。Thenheobliteratedallsignsofhiswork，andarrangedthegrassoverthewireuntilitwassocompletelycoveredthatonlyminuteexaminationwouldrevealit。TheyenteredFreckles'roomwithcoarseoathsandjests。Inafewmoments，hisspecimencasewithitspreciouscontentswasrolledintotheswamp，whilethesawwaseatingintooneofthefinesttreesoftheLimberlost。
　　ThefirstreportfromthemanonwatchwasthatDuncanhaddriventotheSouthcamp；thesecond，thatFreckleswascoming。Themanwatchingwassenttoseeonwhichsidetheboyturnedintothepath；astheyhadexpected，hetooktheeast。Hewasalittletiredandhisheadwasratherstupid，forhehadnotbeenabletosleepashehadhoped，buthewasveryhappy。Althoughhewatcheduntilhiseyesached，hecouldseenosignofanyonehavingenteredtheswamp。
　　Hecalledacheerygreetingtoallhischickens。AtSleepySnakeCreekhealmostfellfromhiswheelwithsurprise:thesaw-birdwassurroundedbyfourlankyyoungstersclamoringforbreakfast。
　　Thefatherwasstruttingwithalltheimportanceofadrummajor。
　　"NousetoexpecttheBirdWomantoday，"saidFreckles；"butnowwouldn'tshebejumpingforachanceatthat？"
　　AssoonasFreckleswasfardowntheeastline，thewatchwaspostedbelowtheroomonthewesttoreporthiscoming。Itwasonlyafewmomentsbeforethesignalcame。Thenthesawstopped，andtheropewasbroughtoutanduncoiledclosetoasapling。WessnerandBlackJackcrowdedtotheveryedgeoftheswampalittleabovethewire，andcrouched，waiting。
　　TheyheardFrecklesbeforetheysawhim。Hecameglidingdownthelineswiftly，andasherodehewassingingsoftly:
　　"Oh，doyoulove，Oh，sayyoulove——"
　　Hegotnofarther。Thesharplydrivenwheelstruckthetensewireandboundedback。Frecklesshotoverthehandlebarandcoasteddownthetrailonhischest。Ashestruck，BlackJackandWessnerwereuponhim。WessnercaughtoffanoldfelthatandclappeditoverFreckles'mouth，whileBlackJacktwistedtheboy'sarmsbehindhimandtheyrushedhimintohisroom。Almostbeforeherealizedthatanythinghadhappened，hewastrussedtoatreeandsecurelygagged。
　　Thenthreeofthemenresumedworkonthetree。TheotherfollowedthepathFreckleshadworntoLittleChicken'stree，andpresentlyhereportedthatthewiresweredownandtwoteamswiththeloadingapparatuscomingtotakeoutthetimber。Allthetimethesawwasslowlyeating，eatingintothebigtree。
　　Wessnerwenttothetrailandremovedthewire。HepickedupFreckles'wheel，thatdidnotseemtobeinjured，andleaneditagainstthebushessothatifanyonedidpassonthetrailhewouldnotseeitdoubledintheswamp-grass。
　　ThenhecameandstoodinfrontofFrecklesandlaughedindevilishhate。Tohisownamazement，Frecklesfoundhimselflookingfearintheface，andmarveledthathewasnotafraid。
　　Fourtoone！Thetreehalfwayeatenthrough，thewagonscominguptheinsideroad——he，boundandgagged！ThemenwithBlackJackandWessnerhadbelongedtoMcLean'sgangwhenlasthehadheardofthem，butwhothosecomingwiththewagonsmightbehecouldnotguess。
　　Iftheysecuredthattree，McLeanlostitsvalue，losthiswager，andlosthisfaithinhim。ThewordsoftheAngelhammeredinhisears。"Oh，Freckles，dowatchclosely！"
　　Thesawworkedsteadily。
　　Whenthetreewasdownandloaded，whatwouldtheydo？Pullout，andleavehimtheretoreportthem？Itwasnottobehopedfor。
　　Theplacealwayshadbeenlawless。Itcouldmeanbutonething。
　　Amistsweptbeforehiseyes，whilehisheadswam。WasitonlylastnightthathehadworshipedtheAngelinadeliriumofhappiness？
　　Andnow，what？Wessner，releasedfromaturnatthesaw，walkedtotheflowerbed，andtearingupahandfulofrarefernsbytheroots，startedtowardFreckles。Hisintentionwasobvious。
　　BlackJackstoppedhim，withanoath。
　　"Youseehere，Dutchy，"hebawled，"mebbyyouthinkyou'llwashhisfacewiththat，butyouwon't。Acontract'sacontract。Weagreedtotakeoutthesetreesandleavehimforyoutodisposeofwhateverwayyouplease，providedyoushuthimupeternallyonthisdeal。
　　ButI'llnotseeatiedmantormentedbyafellowthathecanlickupthegroundwith，loose，andthat'sflat。Itraisesmygorgetothinkwhathe'llgetwhenwe'regone，butyouneedn'tthinkyou'refreetobeginbefore。Don'tyoulayahandonhimwhileI'mhere！Whatdoyousay，boys？"
　　"Isayyes，"growledoneofMcLean'slatestdeserters。"What'smore，we'reapackoffoolstoriskthedirtyworkofsilencinghim。
　　Youhadhimfacedownandyouonhisback；whythehelldidn'tyoucoverhisheadandrollhimintothebushesuntilweweregone？
　　WhenIwentintothis，Ididn'tunderstandthathewastoseeallofusandthattherewasmurderontheticket。I'mnotuptoit。
　　Idon'tmindliftingtreeswecamefor，butI'mcursedifIwantbloodonmyhands。"
　　"Well，youain'tgoingtogetit，"bellowedJack。"Youfellowsonlycontractedtohelpmegetoutmymarkedtrees。HebelongtoWessner，anditain'tinourdealwhathappenstohim。"
　　"Yes，andifWessnerfinisheshimsafely，wearepracticallyinformurderaswellasstealingthetrees；andifhedon't，allhell'stopay。Ithinkyou'vemadeadamnablebungleofthisthing；that'swhatIthink！"
　　"Thenkeepyourthoughtstoyourself，"criedJack。"We'redoingthis，andit'sallplannedsafeandsure。Asforkillingthatbuck——cometothinkofit，killingiswhatheneeds。He'sawaytoogoodforthisworldofwoe，anyhow。Itellyou，it'sallsafeenough。Hisdroppingoutwon'tbetheonlysecrettheoldLimberlosthasnevertold。It'stoodeadeasytomakeitlooklikehehelpedtakethetimberandthencut。Why，he'splayedrightintoourhands。Hewashereattheswampalllastnight，andbackagaininanhourorso。Whenwegetourplanworkedout，evenoldfoolDuncanwon'tliftafingertolookforhiscarcass。Wecouldn'thavehimgoinginbettershape。"
　　"Youjustbet，"saidWessner。"Iowehimallhe'llget，andbedamnedtoyou，butI'llpay！"hesnarledatFreckles。
　　Soitwaskilling，then。Theywerenotonlyafterthisonetree，butmany，andwithhisbodyitwastheirplantokillhishonor。
　　Tobrandhimathief，withthem，beforetheAngel，theBirdWoman，thedearBoss，andtheDuncans——Freckles，insickdespair，saggedagainsttheropes。
　　Thenhegatheredhisforcesandthoughtswiftly。TherewasnohopeofMcLean'scoming。TheyhadchosenadaywhentheyknewhehadabigcontractattheSouthcamp。TheBosscouldnotcomebeforetomorrowbyanypossibility，andtherewouldbenotomorrowfortheboy。DuncanwasonhiswaytotheSouthcamp，andtheBirdWomanhadsaidshewouldcomeassoonasshecould。Afterthefatigueoftheparty，itwasuselesstoexpectherandtheAngeltoday，andGodsavethemfromcoming！TheAngel'sfatherhadsaidtheywouldbeassafeintheLimberlostasathome。Whatwouldhethinkofthis？
　　ThesweatbrokeonFreckles'forehead。Hetuggedattheropeswheneverhefeltthathedared，buttheywerepassedaroundthetreeandhisbodyseveraltimes，andknottedonhischest。
　　Hewashelpless。Therewasnohope，nohelp。Andaftertheyhadconspiredtomakehimappeararunawaythieftohislovedones，whatwasitthatWessnerwoulddotohim？
　　Whateveritwas，FrecklesliftedhisheadandresolvedthathewouldbearinmindwhathehadonceheardtheBirdWomansay。
　　Hewouldgooutbonnily。Neverwouldheletthemsee，ifhegrewafraid。Afterall，whatdiditmatterwhattheydidtohisbodyifbysomeschemeofthedeviltheycouldencompasshisdisgrace？
　　ThenhopesuddenlyrosehighinFreckles'breast。Theycouldnotdothat！TheAngelwouldnotbelieve。NeitherwouldMcLean。Hewouldkeepuphiscourage。Killhimtheycould；dishonorhimtheycouldnot。
　　Yet，summonallthefortitudehemight，thatsaweatingintothetreeraspedhisnervesworseandworse。WithwhirlingbrainhegazedintotheLimberlost，searchingforsomething，heknewnotwhat，andinblankhorrorfoundhiseyesfocusingontheAngel。
　　Shewasquiteadistanceaway，buthecouldseeherwhitelipsandangryexpression。
　　LastweekhehadtakenherandtheBirdWomanacrosstheswampoverthepathhefollowedingoingfromhisroomtothechickentree。
　　Hehadtoldthemthenightbefore，thatthebutterflytreewasonthelineclosetothispath。Infiguringontheirnotcomingthatday，hefailedtoreckonwiththeenthusiasmoftheBirdWoman。Theymustbethereforthestudy，andtheAngelhadriskedcrossingtheswampinsearchofhim。Orwastheresomethinginhisroomtheyneeded？
　　ThebloodsurgedinhisearsastheroaroftheLimberlostinthewrathofastorm。
　　Helookedagain，andithadbeenadream。Shewasnotthere。
　　Hadshebeen？Forhislife，FrecklescouldnottellwhetherhereallyhadseentheAngel，orwhetherhisstrainedsenseshadplayedhimthemostcrueltrickofall。Orwasitnotthekindest？
　　Nowhecouldgowiththevisionofherlovelyfacefreshwithhim。
　　"ThankYouforthat，ohGod！"whisperedFreckles。"`TwasmorethankindofYouandIdon'ts'poseIoughttobewantinganythingelse；
　　butifYoucan，oh，IwishIcouldknowbeforethisends，if`twasmemother"——Frecklescouldnotevenwhisperthewords，forhehesitatedasecondandended——"IF`TWASMEMOTHERDIDIT！"
　　"Freckles！Freckles！Oh，Freckles！"thevoiceoftheAngelcamecalling。Frecklesswayedforwardandwrenchedattheropeuntilitcutdeeplyintohisbody。
　　"Hell！"criedBlackJack。"Whoisthat？Doyouknow？"
　　Frecklesnodded。
　　JackwhippedoutarevolverandsnatchedthegagfromFreckles'mouth。
　　"Sayquick，orit'supwithyourightnow，andwhoeverthatiswithyou！"
　　"It'sthegirltheBirdWomantakeswithher，"whisperedFrecklesthroughdry，swollenlips。
　　"Theyain'tduehereforfivedaysyet，"saidWessner。"Wegotontothatlastweek。"
　　"Yes，"saidFreckles，"butIfoundatreecoveredwithbutterfliesandthingsalongtheeastlineyesterdaythatIthoughttheBirdWomanwouldwantextra，andIwenttotowntotellherlastnight。
　　Shesaidshe'dcomesoon，butshedidn'tsaywhen。Theymustbehere。ItakecareofthegirlwhiletheBirdWomanworks。Untiemequickuntilsheisgone。I'lltrytosendherback，andthenyoucangoonwithyourdirtywork。"
　　"Heain'tlying，"volunteeredWessner。"Isawthattreecoveredwithbutterfliesandhimwatchingarounditwhenwewerespyingonhimyesterday。"
　　"No，heleaveslyingtoyoursort，"snappedBlackJack，asheundidtheropeandpitcheditacrosstheroom。"Rememberthatyou'recoveredeverymoveyoumake，mybuck，"hecautioned。
　　"Freckles！Freckles！"cametheAngel'simpatientvoice，closerandcloser。
　　"Imustbeanswering，"saidFreckles，andJacknodded。"Righthere！"
　　hecalled，andtothemen:"Yougoonwithyourwork，andrememberonethingyourselves。TheworkoftheBirdWomanisknownallovertheworld。Thisgirl'sfatherisarichman，andsheisallhehas。Ifyouofferhurtofanykindtoeitherofthem，thisworldhasnoplacefarenoughawayordarkenoughforyoutobehidingin。Hellwillbeeasytowhatanymanwillgetifhetoucheseitherofthem！"
　　"Freckles，whereareyou？"demandedtheAngel。
　　Soulsickwithfearforher，Freckleswenttowardherandpartedthebushesthatshemightenter。Shecamethroughwithoutapparentlygivinghimaglance，andthefirstwordsshesaidwere:"Whyhavethegangcomesosoon？Ididn'tknowyouexpectedthemforthreeweeksyet。OristhissomeespecialtreethatMr。McLeanneedstofillanorderrightnow？"
　　Freckleshesitated。Wouldamandarelietosavehimself？No。
　　ButtosavetheAngel——surelythatwasdifferent。Heopenedhislips，buttheAngelwascapableofsavingherself。Shewalkedamongthem，exactlyasifshehadbeenrearedinalumbercamp，andneverwaitedforananswer。
　　"Why，yourspecimencase！"shecried。"Look！Haven'tyounoticedthatit'stippedover？Setitstraight，quickly！"
　　Acoupleofthemensteppedoutandcarefullyrightedthecase。
　　"There！That'sbetter，"shesaid。"Freckles，I'msurprisedatyourbeingsocareless。Itwouldbeashametobreakthoselovelybutterfliesforoneoldtree！Isthatavaluabletree？Whydidn'tyoutelluslastnightyouweregoingtotakeoutatreethismorning？
　　Oh，say，didyouputyourcasetheretoprotectthattreefromthatstealingoldBlackJackandhisgang？Ibetyoudid！
　　Well，ifthatwasn'tbright！Whatkindofatreeisit？"
　　"It'sawhiteoak，"saidFreckles。
　　"Likethosetheymakedining-tablesandsideboardsfrom？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"My！Howinteresting！"shecried。"Idon'tknowathingabouttimber，butmyfatherwantsmetolearnjusteverythingIcan。IamgoingtoaskhimtoletmecomehereandwatchyouuntilIknowenoughtobossagangmyself。Doyouliketocuttrees，gentlemen？"
　　sheaskedwithangelicsweetnessofthemen。
　　Someofthemappearedfoolishandsomegrim，butonemanagedtosaytheydid。
　　ThentheAngel'seyesturnedfullonBlackJack，andshegavethemostnaturallittlestartofastonishment。
　　"Oh！Ialmostthoughtthatyouwereaghost！"shecried。"ButIseenowthatyouarereallyandtruly。WereyoueverinColorado？"
　　"No，"saidJack。
　　"Iseeyouaren'tthesameman，"saidtheAngel。"Youknow，wewereinColoradolastyear，andtherewasacowboywhowasthehandsomestmananywherearound。He'dcomeridingintotowneverynight，andallwegirlsjustadoredhim！Oh，buthewasabeauty！
　　Ithoughtatfirstglanceyouwerereallyhe，butIseenowhewasn'tnearlysotallnorsobroadasyou，andonlyhalfashandsome。"
　　ThemenbegantolaughwhileJackflushedcrimson。TheAngeljoinedinthelaugh。
　　"Well，I'llleaveittoyou！Isn'thehandsome？"shechallenged。
　　"Asforthatcowboy'sface，itcouldn'tbecomparedwithyours。
　　Theonlytroublewithyouisthatyourclothesarespoilingyou。
　　It'sthedressthosecowboyswearthatmakeshalftheirattraction。
　　Ifyouwereproperlyclothed，youcouldbreaktheheartoftheprettiestgirlinthecountry。"
　　WithoneaccordtheothermenlookedatBlackJack，andforthefirsttimerealizedthathewasasuperbspecimenofmanhood，forhestoodsixfeettall，wasbroad，well-rounded，andhaddark，evenskin，bigblackeyes，andfullredlips。
　　"I'lltellyouwhat！"exclaimedtheAngel。"I'djustlovetoseeyouonhorseback。Nothingsetsahandsomemanoffsosplendidly。
　　Doyouride？"
　　"Yes，"saidJack，andhiseyeswereburningontheAngelasifhewouldfathomthedepthsofhersoul。
　　"Well，"saidtheAngelwinsomely，"IknowwhatIjustwishyou'ddo。
　　Iwishyouwouldletyourhairgrowalittlelonger。Thenwearablueflannelshirtalittleopenatthethroat，aredtie，andabroad-brimmedfelthat，andridepastmyhouseofevenings。
　　I'malwaysathomethen，andalmostalwaysontheveranda，and，oh！
　　butIwouldliketoseeyou！Willyoudothatforme？"ItisimpossibletodescribetheartwithwhichtheAngelaskedthequestion。ShewaslookingstraightintoJack'sface，coarseandhardenedwithsinandcarelessliving，whichwasnowtakingonawhollydifferentexpression。
　　Theevillinesofitweresofteningandfadingunderhercleargaze。
　　Adullredflamedintohisbronzecheeks，whilehiseyesweregrowingbrightlytender。
　　"Yes，"hesaid，andtheglancehegavethemenwasofsuchanaturethatnoonesawfiteventochangecountenance。
　　"Oh，goody！"shecried，tiltingonhertoes。"I'llaskallthegirlstocomesee，buttheyneedn'tstickin！Wecangetalongwithoutthem，can'twe？"
　　Jackleanedtowardher。Hewasthecharmedflutteringbird，whiletheAngelwasthesnake。
　　"Well，Iratherguess！"hecried。
　　TheAngeldrewadeepbreathandsurveyedhimrapturously。
　　"My，butyou'retall！"shecommented。"DoyousupposeIeverwillgrowtoreachyourshoulders？"
　　Shestoodontiptoeandmeasuredthedistancewithhereyes。Thenshedevelopedtimidconfusion，whileherglancesoughttheground。
　　"IwishIcoulddosomething，"shehalfwhispered。
　　Jackseemedtoincreaseaninchinheight。
　　"What？"heaskedhoarsely。
　　"LariatBillusedalwaystohaveabunchofredflowersinhisshirtpocket。Theredlituphisdarkeyesandolivecheeksandmadehimsplendid。MayIputsomeredflowersonyou？"