Frecklesstaredashewheezedforbreath。Hewishedtheearthwouldopenandswallowhim。Washedeadoralive？SincehisAngelhadseenBlackJacksheneverhadglancedhisway。Wasshecompletelybewitched？Wouldshethrowherselfattheman'sfeetbeforethemall？
　　Couldn'tshegivehimevenonethought？Hadn'tsheseenthathewasgaggedandbound？DidshetrulythinkthatthesewereMcLean'smen？Why，shecouldnot！Itwasonlyafewdaysagothatshehadbeencloseenoughtothismanandangryenoughwithhimtopeelthehatfromhisheadwithashot！Suddenlyathingshehadsaidjestinglytohimonedaycamebackwithstartlingforce:
　　"YoumusttakeAngelsontrust。"Ofcourseyoumust！ShewashisAngel。Shemusthaveseen！Hislife，andwhatwasfarmore，herown，wasinherhands。Therewasnothinghecoulddobuttrusther。Surelyshewasworkingoutsomeplan。
　　TheAngelkneltbesidehisflowerbedandrecklesslytoreupbytherootsabigbunchoffoxfire。
　　"Thesestemsaresotoughandsticky，"shesaid。"Ican'tbreakthem。Loanmeyourknife，"sheorderedFreckles。
　　Asshereachedfortheknife，herbackwasforonesecondtowardthemen。Shelookedintohiseyesanddeliberatelywinked。
　　Sheseveredthestems，tossedtheknifetoFreckles，andwalkingtoJack，laidtheflowersoverhisheart。
　　Frecklesbrokeintoasweatofagony。Hehadsaidshewouldbesafeinaherdofhowlingsavages。Wouldshe？IfBlackJackevenmadeamotiontowardtouchingher，Frecklesknewthatfromsomewherehewouldmusterthestrengthtokillhim。Hementallymeasuredthedistancetowherehisclublayandsethismusclesforaspring。
　　Butno——bythesplendorofGod！Thebigfellowwasbaringhisheadwithahandthatwasunsteady。TheAngelpulledoneofthelongsilverpinsfromherhatandfastenedherflowerssecurely。
　　Freckleswasquaking。Whatwastocomenext？Whatwassheplanning，andoh！didsheunderstandthedangerofherpresenceamongthosemen；therealnecessityforaction？
　　AstheAngelsteppedfromJack，sheturnedherheadtoonesideandpeeredathim，quiteasFreckleshadseenthelittleyellowfellowdoonthelineahundredtimes，andsaid:"Well，thatdoesthetrick！
　　Isn'tthatfine？Seehowitsetshimoff，boys？Don'tyouforgetthetieistobered，andthefirstridesoon。Ican'twaitverylong。NowImustgo。TheBirdWomanwillbereadytostart，andshewillcomeherehuntingmenext，forsheisbusytoday。
　　WhatdidIcomehereforanyway？"
　　Sheglancedinquiringlyaround，andseveralofthemenlaughed。
　　Oh，thedelightofit！Shehadforgottenhererrandforhim！
　　Jackhadasecondincreaseinheight。TheAngelglancedhelplesslyasifseekingaclue。Thenhereyesfell，asifbyaccident，onFreckles，andshecried，"Oh，Iknownow！ItwasthosemagazinestheBirdWomanpromisedyou。Icametotellyouthatweputthemundertheboxwherewehidethings，attheentrancetotheswampaswecamein。IknewIwouldneedmyhandscrossingtheswamp，soIhidthemthere。You'llfindthematthesameoldplace。"
　　ThenFrecklesspoke。
　　"It'smightyriskyforyoutobecrossingtheswampalone，"hesaid。
　　"I'msurprisedthattheBirdWomanwouldbelettingyoutryit。
　　Iknowit'salittlefarther，butit'sbeggingyouIamtobegoingbackbythetrail。That'sbadenough，butit'sfarsaferthantheswamp。"
　　TheAngellaughedmerrily。
　　"Ohstopyournonsense！"shecried。"I'mnotafraid！Notintheleast！TheBirdWomandidn'twantmetotryfollowingapaththatI'dbeenoveronlyonce，butIwassureIcoulddoit，andI'mratherproudoftheperformance。Now，don'tgobabying！YouknowI'mnotafraid！"
　　"No，"saidFrecklesgently，"Iknowyou'renot；butthathasnothingtodowiththefactthatyourfriendsareafraidforyou。
　　Onthetrailyoucanseeyourwayabitahead，andyou'vealltheworldabetterchanceifyoumeetasnake。"
　　ThenFreckleshadaninspiration。HeturnedtoJackimploringly。
　　"Youtellher！"hepleaded。"Tellhertogobythetrail。Shewillforyou。"
　　TheimplicationofthisstatementwassogratifyingtoBlackJackthatheseemedagaintoexpandandtakeonincreasebeforetheirveryeyes。
　　"Youbet！"exclaimedJack。AndtotheAngel:"YoubettertakeFreckles'wordforit，miss。Heknowstheoldswampbetterthananyofus，exceptme，andifhesays`gobythetrail，'you'dbestdoit。"
　　TheAngelhesitated。Shewantedtorecrosstheswampandtrytoreachthehorse。SheknewFreckleswouldbraveanydangertosavehercrossingtheswampalone，butshereallywasnotafraid，whilethetrailaddedoveramiletothewalk。Sheknewthepath。
　　Sheintendedtorunfordearlifetheinstantshefeltherselffromtheirsight，andtuckedinthefoldsofherblousewasafinelittle32-caliberrevolverthatherfatherhadpresentedherforhershareinwhathewaspleasedtocallhermilitaryexploit。
　　OnelastglanceatFrecklesshowedhertheagonyinhiseyes，andimmediatelysheimaginedhehadsomeotherreason。Shewouldfollowthetrail。
　　"Allright，"shesaid，givingJackathrillingglance。"Ifyousayso，I'llreturnbythetrailtopleaseyou。Good-bye，everybody。"
　　Sheliftedthebushesandstartedtowardtheentrance。
　　"Youdamnedfool！Stopher！"growledWessner。"Keephertillwe'reloaded，anyhow。You'replayinghell！Can'tyouseethatwhenthisthingisfoundout，thereshe'llbetoruinallofus。Ifyoulethergo，everymanofushasgottocut，andsomeofuswillbecaughtsure。"
　　Jacksprangforward。Freckles'heartmuffledinhisthroat。
　　TheAngelseemedtodivineJack'scoming。Shewashummingalittlesong。Shedeliberatelystoppedandbeganpullingtheheadsofthecuriousgrassesthatgrewallaroundher。Whenshestraightened，shetookastepbackwardandcalled:"Ho！Freckles，theBirdWomanwantsthatnaturalhistorypamphletreturned。Itbelongstoasetsheisgoingtohavebound。That'soneofthereasonsweputitunderthebox。Youbesuretogetthemasyougohometonight，forfearitrainsorbecomesdampwiththeheavydews。"
　　"Allright，"saidFreckles，butitwasinavoicethatheneverhadheardbefore。
　　ThentheAngelturnedandsentapartingglanceatJack。Shewasoverpoweringlyhumanandbewitchinglylovely。
　　"Youwon'tforgetthatrideandtheredtie，"shehalfasserted，halfquestioned。
　　Jacksuccumbed。Freckleswashiscaptive，buthewastheAngel's，soulandbody。Hisfaceworetheholiestlookiteverhadknownashesoftlyre-echoedFreckles'"Allright。"Withherheadheldwellup，theAngelwalkedslowlyaway，andJackturnedtothemen。
　　"Dropyourdamnedstaringandsawwood，"heshouted。"Don'tyouknowanythingatallabouthowtotreatalady？"ItmighthavebeenaquestionwhichofthecroniesthatcrouchedovergreenwoodfiresinthecabinsofWildcatHollow，eternallysuckingacorncobpipeandstirringtheendlesskettlesofstewingcoonandopossum，hadtaughthimtodoevenaswellashehadbytheAngel。
　　Themenmutteredandthreatenedamongthemselves，buttheybeganworkingdesperately。SomeonesuggestedthatamanbesenttofollowtheAngelandtowatchherandtheBirdWomanleavetheswamp。
　　Freckles'heartsankwithinhim，butJackwasinadeliriumandpastallcaution。
　　"Yes，"hesneered。"Mebbyallofyouhadbettergiveoveronthesawandrunafterthegirl。Iguessnot！SeemstomeIgotthefavors。Ididn'tseenobouquetsontherestofyou！Ifanybodyfollowsher，Ido，andI'mneededhereamongsuchapackofidiots。
　　There'snodangerinthatbabyface。Shewouldn'tgivemeaway！
　　Youdoubleandworklikeforty，whilemeandWessnerwilltaketheaxesandbegintocutinontheotherside。"
　　"Whataboutthenoise？"askedWessner。
　　"Nodifferenceaboutthenoise，"answeredJack。"ShetookustobefromMcLean'sgang，slickasgrease。Makethechipsfly！"
　　Soallofthemattackedthebigtree。
　　Frecklessatononeofhisbenchesandwaited。Intheirhastetofellthetreeandloadit，sothattheteamsterscouldstart，andleavethemfreetoattackanother，theyhadforgottentorebindhim。
　　TheAngelwasonthetrailandsafelystarted。ThecoldperspirationmadeFreckles'templesclammyandraninlittlestreamsdownhischest。Itwouldtakehermoretimetofollowthetrail，buthersafetywasFreckles'solethoughtinurginghertogothatway。Hetriedtofigureonhowlongitwouldrequiretowalktothecarriage。HewonderediftheBirdWomanhadunhitched。
　　HefollowedtheAngeleverystepoftheway。Hefiguredonwhenshewouldcrossthepathoftheclearing，passthedeeppoolwherehis"find-out"froglived，crossSleepySnakeCreek，andreachthecarriage。
　　HewonderedwhatshewouldsaytotheBirdWoman，andhowlongitwouldtakethemtopackandstart。Heknewnowthattheywouldunderstand，andtheAngelwouldtrytogettheBossthereintimetosavehiswager。Shecouldneverdoit，forthesawwasoverhalfthrough，andJackandWessnercuttingintotheoppositesideofthetree。Itappearedasiftheycouldfellatleastthattree，beforeMcLeancouldcome，andiftheydidhelosthiswager。
　　Whenitwasdown，wouldtheyrebindhimandleavehimforWessnertowreakhisinsanevengeanceon，orwouldtheytakehimalongtothenexttreeanddisposeofhimwhentheyhadstolenallthetimbertheycould？Jackhadsaidthatheshouldnotbetoucheduntilheleft。Surelyhewouldnotrunallthatriskforonetree，whenhehadmanyothersoffargreatervaluemarked。Frecklesfeltthathehadsomehopetoclingtonow，buthefoundhimselfprayingthattheAngelwouldhurry。
　　OnceJackcametoFrecklesandaskedifhehadanywater。Frecklesaroseandshowedhimwherehekepthisdrinking-water。Jackdrankingreatgulps，andashepassedbackthebucket，hesaid:"Whenaman'sgotachanceofcatchingafinegirllikethat，heoughtnotbemixedupinanydirtybusiness。IwishtoGodIwasoutofthis！"
　　Frecklesansweredheartily:"IwishIwas，too！"
　　Jackstaredathimaminuteandthenbrokeintoaroarofroughlaughter。
　　"BlestifIblameyou，"hesaid。"Butyouhadyourchance！
　　WeofferedyouafairthingandyougaveWessnerhisanswer。
　　Iain'tenvyingyouwhenhegivesyouhis。"
　　"You'resixtoone，"answeredFreckles。"Itwillbeeasyenoughforyoutobekillingthebodyofme，but，curseyouall，youcan'tblackenmesoul！"
　　"Well，I'dgiveanythingyoucouldnameifIhadyourhonesty，"
　　saidJack。
　　Whenthemightytreefell，theLimberlostshiveredandscreamedwiththeecho。Frecklesgroanedindespair，butthegangtookheart。
　　Thatwassomuchaccomplished。Theyknewwheretodisposeofitsafely，withnoquestionsasked。Beforethedaywasover，theycouldremovethreeothers，allsuitableforveneerandworthfarmorethanthis。ThentheywouldleaveFrecklestoWessnerandscatterforsafety，withmoremoneythantheyhadeverhopedforintheirpossession。
　　CHAPTERXIII
　　WhereintheAngelReleasesFreckles，andtheCurseofBlackJackFallsuponHerOntheline，theAngelgaveonebackwardglanceatBlackJack，toseethathehadreturnedtohiswork。Thenshegatheredherskirtsaboveherkneesandleapedforwardontherun。InthefirstthreeyardsshepassedFreckles'wheel。Instantlysheimaginedthatwaswhyhehadinsistedonhercomingbythetrail。Sheseizeditandsprangon。Thesaddlewastoohigh，butshewasanexpertriderandcouldcatchthepedalsastheycameup。ShestoppedatDuncan'scabinlongenoughtoremedythis，tellingMrs。Duncanwhileworkingwhatwashappening，andforhertofollowtheeasttrailuntilshefoundtheBirdWoman，andtoldherthatshehadgoneafterMcLeanandforhertoleavetheswampasquicklyaspossible。
　　EvenwithherfearforFrecklestospurher，SarahDuncanblanchedandbeganshiveringattheideaoffacingtheLimberlost。TheAngellookedherintheeyes。
　　"Nomatterhowafraidyouare，youhavetogo，"shesaid。"Ifyoudon'ttheBirdWomanwillgotoFreckles'room，huntingme，andtheywillhavetroublewithher。Ifsheisn'ttoldtoleaveatonce，theymayfollowme，and，findingI'mgone，dosometerriblethingtoFreckles。Ican'tgo——that'sflat——foriftheycaughtme，thenthere'dbenoonetogoforhelp。Youdon'tsupposetheyaregoingtotakeoutthetreesthey'reafterandthenleaveFrecklestorunandtell？Theyaregoingtomurdertheboy；that'swhattheyaregoingtodo。Yourun，andrunforlife！ForFreckles'life！
　　YoucanridebackwiththeBirdWoman。"
　　TheAngelsawMrs。Duncanstarted；thenbeganherrace。
　　Thoseawfulmilesofcorduroy！Wouldtheyneverend？Shedidnotdareusethewheeltooroughly，forifitbrokeshenevercouldarriveontimeafoot。Whereherwaywasimpassableforthewheel，shejumpedoff，andpushingitbesideherorcarryingit，sheranasfastasshecould。Thedaywasfearfullywarm。ThesunpouredwiththefiercebakingheatofAugust。Thebushesclaimedherhat，andshedidnotstopforit。
　　Whereitwasatallpossible，theAngelmountedandpoundedoverthecorduroyagain。Shewaspantingforbreathandalmostwornoutwhenshereachedthelevelpike。Shehadnoideahowlongshehadbeen——andonlytwomilescovered。Sheleanedoverthebars，almoststandingonthepedals，racingwithallthestrengthinherbody。
　　Thebloodsurgedinherearswhileherheadswam，butshekeptastraightcourse，androdeandrode。Itseemedtoherthatshewasstandingstill，whilethetreesandhouseswereracingpasther。
　　Onceafarmer'sbigdogrushedangrilyintotheroadandsheswerveduntilshealmostfell，butsheregainedherbalance，andsettinghermuscles，pedaledasfastasshecould。Atlastsheliftedherhead。Surelyitcouldnotbeoveramilemore。Shehadcoveredtwoofcorduroyandatleastthreeofgravel，anditwasonlysixinall。
　　Shewasreelinginthesaddle，butshegrippedthebarswithnewenergy，andraceddesperately。Thesunbeatonherbareheadandhands。Justwhenshewaschokingwithdust，andalmostprostratewithheatandexhaustion——crash，sheranintoabrokenbottle。
　　Snap！wentthetire；thewheelswervedandpitchedover。TheAngelrolledintothethickyellowdustoftheroadandlayquietly。
　　Fromafar，Duncanbegantonoticeastrange，dust-coveredobjectintheroad，asheheadedtowardtownwiththefirstloadoftheday'sfelling。
　　Hechirrupedtothebaysandhurriedthemallhecould。AshenearedtheAngel，hesawitwasawomanandabrokenwheel。Hewasbesideherinaninstant。Hecarriedhertoashadedfence-corner，stretchedheronthegrass，andwipedthedustfromthelovelyfacealldirt-streaked，crimson，andbearingastartlingwhitenessaroundthemouthandnose。
　　Wheelswerecommonenough。Manyofthefarmers'daughtersownedandrodethem，butheknewthesesamefarmers'daughters；thisfacewasastranger's。HeglancedattheAngel'stumbledclothing，thesilkinessofherhair，withitspalesatinribbon，andnoticedthatshehadlostherhat。Herlipstightenedinanominousquiver。
　　Heleftherandpickedupthewheel:ashehadsurmised，heknewit。
　　This，then，wasFreckles'SwampAngel。TherewastroubleintheLimberlost，andshehadbrokendownracingtoMcLean。Duncanturnedthebaysintoafence-corner，tiedoneofthem，unharnessedtheother，fastenedupthetracechains，andhurriedtothenearestfarmhousetosendhelptotheAngel。Hefoundawoman，whotookabottleofcamphor，ajugofwater，andsometowels，andstartedontherun。
　　ThenDuncanputthebaytospeedandracedtocamp。
　　TheAngel，leftalone，laystillforasecond，thensheshiveredandopenedhereyes。Shesawthatshewasonthegrassandthebrokenwheelbesideher。Instantlysherealizedthatsomeonehadcarriedherthereandgoneafterhelp。Shesatupandlookedaround。Shenoticedtheloadoflogsandtheonehorse。Someonewasridingafterhelpforher！
　　"Oh，poorFreckles！"shewailed。"Theymaybekillinghimbynow。
　　Oh，howmuchtimehaveIwasted？"
　　Shehurriedtotheotherbay，herfingersflyingasshesethimfree。
　　Snatchingupabigblacksnakewhipthatlayontheground，shecaughtthehames，stretchedalongthehorse'sneck，and，forthefirsttime，thefine，bigfellowfeltonhisbackthequalityofthelashthatDuncanwasaccustomedtocrackoverhim。Hewasfrightened，andranattopspeed。
　　TheAngelpassedawildlywaving，screamingwomanontheroad，andalittlelateramanridingasifhe，too，wereingreathaste。
　　Themancalledtoher，butsheonlylaylowerandusedthewhip。
　　Soonthefeetoftheman'shorsesoundedfartherandfartheraway。
　　AttheSouthcamptheywereloadingasecondwagon，whentheAngelappearedridingoneofDuncan'sbays，latheredanddripping，andcried:"EverybodygotoFreckles！Therearethievesstealingtrees，andtheyhadhimbound。They'regoingtokillhim！"
　　ShewheeledthehorsetowardtheLimberlost。Thealarmsoundedthroughcamp。Thegangwerenotunprepared。McLeansprangtoNellie'sbackandracedaftertheAngel。AstheypassedDuncan，hewheeledandfollowed。Soonthepikewasanirregularprocessionofbarebackedriders，wildlydrivingflyinghorsestowardtheswamp。
　　TheBossrodeneck-and-neckwiththeAngel。Herepeatedlycommandedhertostopandfalloutofline，untilherememberedthathewouldneedhertoleadhimtoFreckles。Thenhegaveupandrodebesideher，forshewassendingthebayatassharpapaceastheotherhorsescouldkeepandholdout。Hecouldseethatshewasnothearinghim。HeglancedbackandsawthatDuncanwasclose。
　　Therewassomethingterrifyingintheappearanceofthebigman，andthemannerinwhichhesathisbeastandrode。ItwouldbeasaddayforthemanonwhomDuncan'swrathbroke。Therewerefourothersclosebehindhim，andthepikefillingwiththeremainderofthegang；soMcLeantookheartandracedbesidetheAngel。Overandoverheaskedherwherethetroublewas，butsheonlygrippedthehames，leanedalongthebay'sneck，andslashedawaywiththeblacksnake。Thesteaminghorse，withcrimsonnostrilsandheavingsides，stretchedoutandranforhomewithallthespeedtherewasinhim。
　　Whentheypassedthecabin，theBirdWoman'scarriagewasthereandMrs。Duncaninthedoorwringingherhands，buttheBirdWomanwasnowheretobeseen。TheAngelsentthebayalongthepathandturnedintothewesttrail，whilethemenbunchedandfollowedher。
　　WhenshereachedtheentrancetoFreckles'room，therewerefourmenwithher，andtwomoreveryclosebehind。Sheslidfromthehorse，andsnatchingthelittlerevolverfromherpocket，dartedtowardthebushes。McLeancaughtthemback，andwithdrawnweapon，pressedbesideher。Theretheystoppedinastonishment。
　　TheBirdWomanblockedtheentrance。Overasmalllimblayherrevolver。ItwastrainedatshortrangeonBlackJackandWessner，whostoodwiththeirhandsabovetheirheads。
　　Freckles，withthebloodtricklingdownhisface，fromanuglycutinhistemple，wasgaggedandboundtothetreeagain；theremainderofthemenweregone。BlackJackwasravingasamaniac，andwhentheylookedcloseritwasonlytheleftarmthatheraised。
　　Hisright，withthehandshattered，hunghelplessathisside，whilehisrevolverlayatFreckles'feet。Wessner'sweaponwasinhisbelt，andbesidehimFreckles'club。
　　Freckles'facewaswhite，withcolorlesslips，butinhiseyeswasthestrengthofundyingcourage。McLeanpushedpasttheBirdWomancrying。"Holdsteadyonthemonlyoneminutemore！"
　　HesnatchedtherevolverfromWessner'sbelt，andstoopedforJack's。
　　AtthatinstanttheAngelrushedpast。ShetorethegagfromFreckles，andseizingtheropeknottedonhischest，shetuggedatitdesperately。Underherfingersitgaveway，andshehurledittoMcLean。Themenwerecrowdingin，andDuncanseizedWessner。
　　AstheAngelsawFrecklesstandout，free，shereachedherarmstohimandpitchedforward。AfearfuloathburstfromthelipsofBlackJack。
　　Tohavesavedhislife，FrecklescouldnothaveavoidedtheglanceoftriumphhegaveJack，whenfoldingtheAngelinhisarmsandstretchingheronthemosses。
　　TheBirdWomancriedoutsharplyforwaterassherantothem。
　　Someonesprangtobringthat，andanothertobreakopenthecaseforbrandy。AsMcLeanarosefrombindingWessner，therewasacrythatJackwasescaping。
　　Hewasalreadyfarintheswamp，runningforitsdensestpartinleapingbounds。Everymanwhocouldbesparedplungedafterhim。
　　Othermembersofthegangarriving，weresenttofollowthetracksofthewagons。Theteamstershaddrivenfromthewestentrance，andcrossingtheswale，hadtakenthesameroutetheBirdWomanandtheAngelhadbeforethem。Therehadbeenampletimeforthedriverstoreachtheroad；afterthattheycouldtakeanyoneoffourdirections。
　　Trafficwasheavy，andlumberwagonswerepassingalmostconstantly，sothementurnedbackandjoinedthemoreexcitinghuntforaman。
　　Theremainderofthegangjoinedthem，alsofarmersoftheregionandtravelersattractedbythedisturbance。
　　Watchersweresetalongthetrailatshortintervals。Theypatrolledthelineandroadsthroughtheswampthatnight，withlightedtorches，andthenextdayMcLeanheadedasthoroughasearchashefeltcouldbemadeofoneside，whileDuncancoveredtheother；butBlackJackcouldnotbefound。Spiesweresetaroundhishome，inWildcatHollow，toascertainifhereachedthereoraidwasbeingsentinanydirectiontohim；butitwassoonclearthathisrelativeswereignorantofhishiding-place，andweresearchingforhim。
　　Greatistheelasticityofyouth。Ahotbathandasoundnight'ssleeprenewedFreckles'strength，anditneededbutlittlemoretoworkthesameresultwiththeAngel。Freckleswasonthetrailearlythenextmorning。BesidesacrowdofpeopleanxioustowitnessJack'scapture，hefoundfourstalwartguards，oneateachturn。
　　Inhishearthewascompelledtoadmitthathewasgladtohavethemthere。Closenoon，McLeanplacedhismeninchargeofDuncan，andtakingFreckles，drovetotowntoseehowtheAngelfared。
　　McLeanvisitedagreenhouseandboughtanarmloadofitsfinestproducts；butFreckleswouldhavenoneofthem。HewouldcarryhismessageinaglowingmassoftheLimberlost'sfirstgoldenrod。
　　TheBirdWomanreceivedthem，andinanswertotheireagerinquiries，saidthattheAngelwasinnowayseriouslyinjured，onlysobruisedandshakenthattheirdoctorhadorderedhertoliequietlyfortheday。Thoughshewassoreandstiff，theywerehavingworktokeepherinbed。Hercallerssentuptheirflowerswiththeirgratefulregards，andtheAngelpromptlyreturnedwordthatshewantedtoseethem。
　　ShereachedbothhandstoMcLean。"Whatifoneoldtreeisgone？
　　Youdon'tcare，sir？YoufeelthatFreckleshaskepthistrustasnobodyeverdidbefore，don'tyou？Youwon'tforgetallthoselongfirstdaysoffrightthatyoutoldusof，thefearfulcoldofwinter，therain，heat，andlonesomeness，andthebravedays，andlately，nights，too，andlethimfeelthathistrustisbroken？
　　Oh，Mr。McLean，"shebegged，"saysomethingtohim！Dosomethingtomakehimfeelthatitisn'tfornothinghehaswatchedandsuffereditoutwiththatoldLimberlost。Makehimseehowgreatandfineitis，andhowfar，farbetterhehasdonethanyouoranyofusexpected！
　　What'soneoldtree，anyway？"shecriedpassionately。
　　"Iwasthinkingbeforeyoucame。Thoseothermenwererankbigcowards。Theywerescaredfortheirlives。Iftheywerethedrivers，Iwageryouglovesagainstglovestheynevertookthoselogsouttothepike。Mycomingupsetthem。Beforeyoufeelbadanymore，yougolookandseeiftheydidn'tlosecouragetheminutetheyleftWessnerandBlackJack，dumpthattimberandrun。Idon'tbelievetheyeverhadthegrittodriveoutwithitindaylight。
　　Goseeiftheydidn'tfigureonleavingthewaywedidtheothermorning，andyou'llfindthelogsbeforeyoureachtheroad。
　　Theyneverriskedtakingthemintotheopen，whentheygotawayandhadtimetothink。Ofcoursetheydidn't！
　　"And，then，anotherthing。Youhaven'tlostyourwager！Itneverwillbeclaimed，becauseyoumadeitwithastout，dark，red-facedmanwhodrivesabayandagray。Hewasrightbackofyou，Mr。
　　McLean，whenIcameyesterday。Hewentdeathlywhiteandshookonhisfeetwhenhesawthosemenprobablywouldbecaught。Someoneofthemwassomethingtohim，andyoucanjustspothimforoneofthemenatthebottomofyourtroubles，andurgingthoseyoungerfellowstostealfromyou。Isupposehe'dpromisedtodivide。
　　Yousettlewithhim，andthatbusinesswillstop。"
　　SheturnedtoFreckles。"Andyoubethehappiestmanalive，becauseyouhavekeptyourtrust。GolookwhereItellyouandyou'llfindthelogs。Icanseejustaboutwheretheyare。Whentheygoupthatsteeplittlehill，intothenextwoodsafterthecornfield，why，theycouldunloosethechainsandthelogswouldrollfromthewagonsthemselves。Now，yougolook；andMr。McLean，youdofeelthatFreckleshasbeenbraveandfaithful？Youwon'tlovehimanythelessevenifyoudon'tfindthelogs"
　　TheAngel'snervegavewayandshebegantocry。Frecklescouldnotendureit。Healmostranfromtheroom，withthetearsinhiseyes；
　　butMcLeantooktheAngelfromtheBirdWoman'sarms，andkissedherbravelittleface，strokedherhair，andpettedherintoquietnessbeforeheleft。
　　Astheydrovetotheswamp，McLeansoearnestlysecondedallthattheAngelhadsaidthathesoonhadtheboyfeelingmuchbetter。
　　"Freckles，yourAngelhasaspiceofthedevilinher，butshe'ssuperb！Youneedn'tspendanytimequestioningorbewailinganythingshedoes。Justworshipblindly，myboy。Byheaven！she'ssense，courage，andbeautyforhalfadozengirls，"saidMcLean。
　　"It'saltogetherrightyouare，sir，"affirmedFrecklesheartily。
　　Presentlyheadded，"There'snoquestionbuttheseriesisovernow。"
　　"Don'tthinkit！"answeredMcLean。"TheBirdWomanisworkingforsuccess，andsuccessalonganylineisnotwonbybeingscaredout。
　　Shewillbebackontheusualday，andtentoone，theAngelwillbewithher。Theyaremadeofprettysternstuff，andtheydon'tscareworthacent。BeforeIleft，ItoldtheBirdWomanitwouldbesafe；anditwill。Youmaydoyourusualwalking，butthosefourguardsaretheretoremain。Theyareunderyourordersabsolutely。
　　Theyareprohibitedfromfiringonanybirdormolestinganythingthatyouwanttoprotect，buttheretheyremain，andthistimeitisuselessforyoutosayoneword。Ihavelistenedtoyourpridetoolong。Youaretooprecioustome，andthatvoiceofyoursistooprecioustotheworldtorunanymorerisks。"
　　"Iamsorrytohaveanythingspoiltheseries，"saidFreckles，"andI'dlovethemtobecoming，theAngelespecial，butitcan'tbe。
　　You'llhavetotellthemso。Yousee，Jackwouldhavebeenreadytostakehislifeshemeantwhatshesaidanddidtohim。Whentheteamspulledout，Wessnerseizedme；thenheandJackwenttoquarrelingoverwhethertheyshouldfinishmethenortakemetothenexttreetheywereforfelling。Betweenthemtheywerepullingmearoundandhurtingmebad。Wessnerwantedtogetatmerightthen，andJacksaidheshouldn'tbetouchingmetillthelasttreewasoutandalltherestofthemgone。I'mbelayingJackreallyhatedtoseemedoneforinthebeginning；andIthink，too，hewasafraidifWessnerfinishedmethenhe'dlosehisnerveandcut，andtheycouldn'tbemanagingthefellingwithouthim；anyway，theywerehaulingmeroundlikeIwasalreadypastallfeeling，andtheytiedmeupagain。Tokeepmecourageup，ItwitsWessnerabouthavingtotiemeandneedinganothermantohelphandleme。ItoldhimwhatI'ddotohimifIwasfree，andhegrabsupmeownclubandlaysopenmeheadwithit。Whenthebloodcamestreaming，itsetJackraving，andhecursedanddamnedWessnerforacowardandasofty。ThenWessnerturnedonJackandgivesittohimforlettingtheAngelmakeafoolofhim。Tellshimshewasjustplayingwithhim，andbeyondallmannerofdoubtshe'dgoneafteryou，andtherewasnothingtodoonaccountofhisfoolishnessbutfinishme，getout，andlettherestofthetimbergo，forlikelyyouwasonthewayrightthen。ThatdroveJackplumcrazy。
　　"Idon'tthinkhewasforhavingadoubtoftheAngelbefore，butthenhejustraved。HegrabbedouthisgunandturnedonWessner。
　　Spang！Itwentoutofhisfist，andtheordercomes:`Handsup！'
　　Wessnerreachedforkingdomcomelikehewasexpectingtograbholdandpullhimselfup。Jackputsupwhathehasleft。Thenheleansovertomeandtellsmewhathe'lldotomeifheevergetsoutoftherealive。Then，justlikeasnakehissing，hespitsoutwhathe'lldotoherforplayinghim。Hedidgetaway，andwithhisstrength，thatwoundinhishandwon'tbebotheringhimlong。
　　He'lldotomejustwhathesaid，andwhenhehearsitreallywasshethatwentafteryou，why，he'llkeephisoathabouther。
　　"He'slivedintheswampallhislife，sir，andeverybodysaysit'salwaysbeenthehomeofcutthroats，outlaws，andrunaways。Heknowsitsmostsecretplacesasnoneoftheothers。He'salive。He'sintherenow，sir。Somewayhe'llkeepalive。Ifyou'dseenhisface，allscarletwithpassion，twistedwithpain，andblackwithhate，andheardhimswearingthatoath，you'dknowitwasasurething。
　　Iain'tdonewithhimyet，andI'vebroughtthisawfulthingonher。"
　　"AndIhaven'tbegunwithhimyet，"saidMcLean，settinghisteeth。
　　"I'vebeenawaytooslowandtooeasy，believingthere'dbenogreaterharmthanthelossofatree。I'vesentforacoupleoffirst-classdetectives。Wewillputthemonhistrack，androuthimoutandridthecountryofhim。Idon'tproposeforhimtostopeitherourworkorourpleasure。Asforhisbeingintheswampnow，Idon'tbelieveit。He'dfindawayoutlastnight，inspiteofus。
　　Don'tyouworry！Iamatthehelmnow，andI'llseetothatgentlemaninmyownway。"
　　"Iwishtomysoulyouhadseenandheardhim！"saidFreckles，unconvinced。
　　Theyenteredtheswamp，takingtheroutefollowedbytheBirdWomanandtheAngel。Theyreallydidfindthelogs，almostwheretheAngelhadpredictedtheywouldbe。McLeanwenttotheSouthcampandhadaninterviewwithCrowenthatcompletelyconvincedhimthattheAngelwascorrecttherealso。Buthehadnoproof，soallhecoulddowastodischargetheman，althoughhisguiltwassoapparentthatheofferedtowithdrawthewager。
　　ThenMcLeansentforapackofbloodhoundsandputthemonthetrailofBlackJack。Theyclungtoit，onandon，intothedepthsoftheswamp，leadingtheirfollowersthroughwhathadbeenconsideredimpassableandimpenetrableways，andfinally，aroundnearthewestentranceandintotheswale。Herethedogsbellowed，raved，andfellovereachotherintheirexcitement。Theyracedbackandforthfromswamptoswale，butfollowthescentfarthertheywouldnot，eventhoughcruellydriven。Atlasttheirownerattributedtheiractionstosnakes，andastheywereveryvaluabledogs，abandonedtheefforttourgethemon。SothatalltheyreallyestablishedwasthefactthatBlackJackhadeludedtheirvigilanceandcrossedthetrailsometimeinthenight。Hehadescapedtotheswale；fromthereheprobablycrossedthecorduroy，andreachingthelowerendoftheswamp，hadfoundfriends。Itwasagreatrelieftofeelthathewasnotintheswamp，anditraisedthespiritsofeverymanontheline，thoughmanyofthemexpressedregretsthathewhowasundoubtedlymosttoblameshouldescape，whileWessner，whointhebeginningwasonlyhistool，shouldbelefttopunishment。
　　ButforFreckles，withJack'sfearfuloathringinginhisears，therewasneitherrestnorpeace。HewasalmostillwhenthedayforthenextstudyoftheseriesarrivedandhesawtheBirdWomanandtheAngelcomingdownthecorduroy。Theguardsoftheeastlineheleftattheircustomaryplaces，butthoseofthewesthebroughtoverandplaced，onenearLittleChicken'stree，andtheotheratthecarriage。HewasfirmabouttheAngel'sremaininginthecarriage，thathedidnotoffertohaveunhitched。HewentwiththeBirdWomantosecurethepicture，whichwastheeasiestmatterithadbeenatanytimeyet，forthesimplereasonthattheplacingoftheguardsandtheunusualmovementaroundtheswamphadmadeMr。
　　andMrs。Chickentimid，andtheyhadnotcarriedLittleChickenthecustomaryamountoffood。Freckles，intheanxietyofthepastfewdays，hadneglectedhim，andhehadbeensohungry，muchofthetime，thatwhentheBirdWomanheldupasweet-bread，althoughhehadstartedtowardtherecessesofthelogathercoming，hestopped；withslightlyopenedbeak，hewaitedanxiouslyforthetreat，andgaveastudyofgreatvalue，showingeverypointofhishead，alsohiswingandtaildevelopment。
　　WhentheBirdWomanproposedtolookforothersubjectscloseabouttheline，FreckleswentsofarastotellherthatJackhadmadefearfulthreatsagainsttheAngel。HeimploredhertotaketheAngelhomeandkeepherunderunceasingguarduntilJackwaslocated。Hewantedtotellherallaboutit，butheknewhowdeartheAngelwastoher，andhedreadedtoburdenherwithhisfearswhentheymightprovegroundless。Heallowedhertogo，butafterwardblamedhimselfseverelyforhavingdoneso。
　　CHAPTERXIV
　　WhereinFrecklesNursesaHeartacheandBlackJackDropsOut"McLean，"saidMrs。Duncan，astheBosspausedtogreetherinpassingthecabin，"doyouknowthatFreckleshasnabeeninbedthepastfivenightsandallhe'seateninthatmanydaysyecouldpackintoapintcup？"
　　"Why，whatdoestheboymean？"demandedMcLean。"There'snonecessityforhimbeingonguard，withthewatchI'vesetontheline。Ihadnoideahewasstayingdownthere。"
　　"He'snothere，"saidMrs。Duncan。"Hegoessomewhereelse。
　　Heleavesonhiswheeljuistafterwe'reabedandridesinclosecock-croworalittleearlier，andhe'slookinglikedeathandnothingshortofit。"
　　"Butwheredoeshego？"askedMcLeaninastonishment。
　　"I'mnogiventobearingtalesoutofschool，"saidSarahDuncan，"butinthiscaseI'dtellyeifIcould。WhatthetroubleisI
　　dinnaken。Ifitisno'stopped，he'sinfordreadfulsickness，andIthoughtyecouldfindoutandhelphim。He'sinsairtrouble；
　　that'sallIknow。"
　　McLeansatbroodingashestrokedNellie'sneck。
　　Atlasthesaid:"IsuspectIunderstand。Atanyrate，IthinkI
　　canfindout。Thankyoufortellingme。"
　　"Ye'llnoneedtelling，onceyeclapyoureyesonhim，"prophesiedMrs。Duncan。"Hisfaceisallaglist'nyyellow，andhe'speakedasastarvingcagedbird。"
　　McLeanrodetotheLimberlost，andstoppingintheshade，satwaitingforFreckles，whosehourforpassingthefootoftheleasehadcome。
　　AlongthenorthlinecameFreckles，fairlystaggering。WhenheturnedeastandreachedSleepySnakeCreek，slidingthroughtheswaleasthelongblacksnakeforwhichitwasnamed，hesatonthebridgeandclosedhisburningeyes，buttheywouldnotremainshut。
　　Asifpulledbywires，theheavylidsflewopen，whiletheoutragednervesandmusclesofhisbodydanced，twitched，andtingled。
　　Hebentforwardandidlywatchedthelimpidlittlestreamflowingbeneathhisfeet。Stretchingintotheswale，itcamecreepingbetweenanimpenetrablewallofmagnificentwildflowers，vines，andferns。Milkweed，goldenrod，ironwort，fringedgentians，cardinal-flowers，andturtle-headstoodontheveryedgeofthecreek，andeveryflowerofthemhadadoubleinthewater。
　　Wildclematiscrownedwithsnowtheheadsoftreesscatteredhereandthereonthebank。
　　Fromafarthecreekappearedtobemurky，dirtywater。Reallyitwasclearandsparkling。Thetingeofblacknesswasgainedfromitsbedofmuckshowingthroughthetransparentcurrent。Hecouldseesmallandwonderfullymarkedfish。Whatbecameofthemwhenthecreekspreadintotheswamp？Foronething，theywouldmakemightyfineeatingforthefamilyofthatself-satisfiedoldblueheron。
　　Frecklessatsoquietlythatsoonthebrimofhishatwascoveredwithsnake-feeders，raspingtheircrispwingsandsingingwhiletheyrested。Someofthemsettledontheclub，andoneonhisshoulder。Hewassomotionless；feathers，fur，andgauzeweresoaccustomedtohim，thatallthroughtheswaletheycontinuedtheirdailylifeandforgothewasthere。
　　Theheronfamilywerewadingthemouthofthecreek。Frecklesidlywonderedwhetherthenerve-rackingraspstheyoccasionallyemittedindicateddomesticfelicityoraragingquarrel。Hecouldnotdecide。
　　Asheitpoke，withflaringcrest，wentstalkingacrossabarespaceclosetothecreek'smouth。Astatelybrownbitternwadedintotheclear-flowingwater，liftinghisfeethighateverystep，andsettingthemdowncarefully，asifhedreadedwettingthem，andwithslightlypartedbeak，stoodeagerlywatchingaroundhimforworms。Behindhimweresomemightytreesoftheswampabove，andbelowthebankglowedasolidwallofgoldenrod。
　　Nowondertheancientshadchosenyellowasthecolortorepresentvictory，forthefierce，conqueringhueofthesunwasinit。
　　Theyhaddonewell，too，inselectingpurpleastheemblemofroyalty。
　　Itwasadignified，compellingcolor，whileinitswarmtonetherewasahintofblood。
　　ItwastheLimberlost'shourtoproclaimhersovereigntyandtriumph。
　　Everywheresheflauntedheryellowbannerandtrailedthepurpleofhermantle，thatwaspalerinthethistle-heads，tookonstrengthinthefirstopeningasters，andglowedandburnedintheironwort。
　　Hegazedintoherdamp，mossyrecesseswherehigh-piledriventreesdecayedundercoatsoflivinggreen，wheredaintyvinesswayedandclambered，andhereandthereayellowleaf，flutteringdown，presagedthecomingofwinter。Hisloveoftheswamplaidholdofhimandshookhimwithitsforce。
　　CompellinglybeautifulwastheLimberlost，butcruelwithal；forinsidebleachedtheuncoffinedbonesofhervictims，whileshehadmissedcradlinghim，oh！sonarrowly。
　　Heshiftedrestlessly；themovementsentthesnake-feedersskimming。
　　Thehumoflifeswelledandroaredinhisstrainedears。
　　Smallturtles，thathadclimbedonalogtosun，splashedclumsilyintothewater。Somewhereinthetimberofthebridgeabloodthirstylittlefrogcriedsharply。"KEEL'IM！KEEL'IM！"
　　Frecklesmuttered:"It'sworsethanthatBlackJacksworetodotome，littlefellow。"
　　Amuskratwaddleddownthebankandswamfortheswamp，itspointednoserifflingthewaterintoashiningtrailinitswake。
　　Then，belowtheturtle-log，adrippingsilver-grayhead，withshiningeyes，wascautiouslylifted，andFreckles'handslidtohisrevolver。Higherandhighercamethehead，along，heavy，furcoatedbodyarose，nowhalf，nowthree-fourthsfromthewater。Freckleslookedathisshakinghandanddoubted，buthegatheredhisforces，theshotrang，andtheotterlayquiet。Hehurrieddownandtriedtoliftit。Hescarcelycouldmusterstrengthtocarryittothebridge。
　　TheconsciousnessthathereallycouldgonofartherwithitmadeFrecklesrealizethefactthathewasclosethelimitofhumanendurance。Hecouldbearitlittle，ifany，longer。
　　EveryhourthedearfaceoftheAngelwaveredbeforehim，andbehindittheawfuldistortedimageofBlackJack，ashehadsworntothepunishmenthewouldmeteouttoher。HemusteitherseeMcLean，orelsemakeatriptotownandfindherfather。Whichshouldhedo？Hewasalmostastranger，sotheAngel'sfathermightnotbeimpressedwithwhathesaidashewouldifMcLeanwenttohim。
　　ThenherememberedthatMcLeanhadsaidhewouldcomethatmorning。
　　Frecklesneverhadforgottenbefore。Hehurriedontheeasttrailasfastashistotteringlegswouldcarryhim。
　　Hestoppedwhenhecametothefirstguard，andtellinghimofhisluck，askedhimtogettheotterandcarryittothecabin，ashewasanxioustomeetMcLean。
　　Frecklespassedthesecondguardwithoutseeinghim，andhurriedtotheBoss。Hetookoffhishat，wipedhisforehead，andstoodsilentundertheeyesofMcLean。
　　TheBosswasdumbfounded。Mrs。DuncanhadledhimtoexpectthathewouldfindachangeinFreckles，butthiswasalmostdeathly。
　　Thefactwasapparentthattheboyscarcelyknewwhathewasdoing。
　　Hiseyeshadaglazed，far-sightedappearance，thatwrungtheheartofthemanwholovedhim。Withoutathoughtofpreliminaries，McLeanleanedinthesaddleanddrewFrecklestohim。
　　"Mypoorlad！"hesaid。"Mypoor，dearlad！tellme，andwewilltrytorightit！"
　　FreckleshadtwistedhisfingersinNellie'smane。AtthekindwordshisfacedroppedonMcLean'sthighandheshookwithanervouschill。McLeangatheredhimcloserandwaited。
　　Whentheguardcamewiththeotter，McLeanwithoutawordmotionedhimtolayitdownandleavethem。
　　"Freckles，"saidMcLeanatlast，"willyoutellme，ormustIsettoworkinthedarkandtrytofindthetrouble？"
　　"Oh，Iwanttotellyou！Imusttellyou，sir，"shudderedFreckles。
　　"Icannotbebearingitthedayoutalone。IwascomingtoyouwhenIremimberedyouwouldbehere。"
　　Heliftedhisfaceandgazedacrosstheswale，withhisjawssetfirmlyaminute，asifgatheringhisforces。Thenhespoke。
　　"It'stheAngel，sir，"hesaid。
　　InstinctivelyMcLean'sgriponhimtightened，andFreckleslookedintotheBoss'sfaceinwonder。
　　"Itried，theotherday，"saidFreckles，"andIcouldn'tseemtomakeyousee。It'sonlythattherehasn'tbeenanhour，wakingorsleeping，sincethedayshepartedthebushesandlookedintomeroom，thatthefaceofherhasn'tbeenbeforemeinallthetinderness，beauty，andmischiefofit。Shetalkedtomefriendlylike。Shetrustedmeentirelytotakerightcareofher。
　　Shehelpedmewiththingsaboutmebooks。ShetraitedmelikeI
　　wasbornagintleman，andsharedwithmeasifIwereofherownblood。
　　Shewalkedthestreetsofthetownwithmebeforeherfriendswithalltheprideofaqueen。Sheforgotherselfanddidn'tmindtheBirdWoman，andrunbigriskstohelpmeoutthatfirstday，sir。
　　Thislasttimeshewalkedintothatgangofmurderers，tooktheirleader，andtwistedhimtothewillofher。Sheoutdonehimandracedthelifealmostoutofhertryingtosaveme。
　　"SinceIcanremimber，whateverthethingwasthathappenedtomeinthebeginninghasbeenmecurse。I'vebeenbitter，hard，andsmartingunderithopelessly。Shecameby，andfoundmevoice，andputhopeoflifeandsuccesslikeothermenintomeinspiteofit。"
　　Freckleshelduphismaimedarm。
　　"Lookatit，sir！"hesaid。"AthousandtimesI'vecursedit，hangingtherehelpless。Shetookitonthestreet，beforeallthepeople，justasifshedidn'tseethatitwasathingtohideandshrinkfrom。AgainandagainI'vehadthefeelingwithher，ifI
　　didn'tentirelyforgetit，thatshedidn'tseeitwasgoneandI
　　musthepointingitouttoher。Hertouchonitwassosacred-like，attimessinceI'vecaughtmeselflookingattheawfulthingnearlikeIwasproudofit，sir。IfIhadbeenbornyoursonshecouldn'tbetraitingmemoreasherequal，andshecan'thelpknowingyouain'ttrulymefather。NobodycanknowthehomelinessortheignoranceofmebetterthanIdo，andallmelackofbirth，relatives，andmoney，andwhat'sitalltoher？"
　　Frecklessteppedback，squaredhisshoulders，andwitharoyalliftofhisheadlookedstraightintotheBoss'seyes。
　　"Yousawherinthebeautifullittleroomofher，andyoucan'tbeforgettinghowshebeggedandpleadwithyouforme。Shetouchedmebody，and`twassanctified。Shelaidherlipsonmybrow，and`twassacrament。Nobodyknowstheheightofherbetterthanme。
　　Nobody'sstudiedmydepthscloser。There'snobridgeforthegreatdistancebetweenus，sir，andclearestofall，I'mforrealizingit:
　　butsheriskedterriblethingswhenshecametomeamongthatgangofthieves。Sheworeherselfpastbearingtosavemefromsuchaneasythingasdeath！Now，here'sme，aman，abig，strongman，andlettingherliveunderthatfearfuloath，soworsethananydeath`twouldbeforher，andliftingnotafingertosaveher。Icannothearit，sir。It'skillingmebyinches！BlackJack'shandmaynothavebeenhurtsobad。Anyhourhemaybecreepingupbehindher！
　　Anyminutetheawfulrevengehesworetobetakingmayinsomewayfallonher，andIhaven'tevenwarnedherfather。Ican'tstayheredoingnothinganotherhour。ThefivenightsgoneI'vewatchedunderherwindows，butthere'sthewholeoftheday。She'sherownhorseandlittlecart，and'sfreetobedrivingthroughthetownandcountryasshepleases。IfanyevilcomestoherthroughBlackJack，itcomesfromherangel-likegoodnesstome。Somewherehe'shiding！
　　Somewhereheiswaitinghischance！Somewhereheisreachingoutforher！ItellyouIcannot，Idarenotbebearingitlonger！"
　　"Freckles，bequiet！"saidMcLean，hiseyeshumidandhisvoicequiveringwiththepityofitall。"Believeme，Ididnotunderstand。
　　IknowtheAngel'sfatherwell。Iwillgotohimatonce。Ihavetransactedbusinesswithhimforthepastthreeyears。Iwillmakehimsee！Iamonlybeginningtorealizeyouragony，andtherealdangerthereisfortheAngel。Believeme，IwillseethatsheisfullyprotectedeveryhourofthedayandnightuntilJackislocatedanddisposedof。AndIpromiseyoufurther，thatifI
　　failtomoveherfatherormakehimunderstandthedanger，IwillmaintainaguardoverheruntilJackiscaught。Nowwillyougobathe，drinksomemilk，gotobed，andsleepforhours，andthenbemybrave，brightoldboyagain？"
　　"Yis，"saidFrecklessimply。
　　ButMcLeancouldseethefleshwastwitchingonthelad'sbones。
　　"Whatwasittheguardbroughtthere？"McLeanaskedinanefforttodistractFreckles'thoughts。
　　"Oh！"Frecklessaid，glancingwheretheBosspointed，"Iforgotit！
　　`Tisanotter，andfinepastbelieving，forthiswarmweather。
　　Ishotitatthecreekthismorning。`Twasagoodshot，considering。
　　Iexpectedtomiss。"
　　FrecklespickeduptheanimalandstartedtowardMcLeanwithit，butNellieprickedupherdaintylittleears，dancedintotheswale，andsnortedwithfright。Frecklesdroppedtheotterandrantoherhead。
　　"Forpity'ssake，getheronthetrail，sir，"hebegged。"She'sjustaboutwheretheoldkingrattlercrossestogointotheswamp——theoldbusterDuncanandIhavebeentellingyouof。
　　Ihaven'tadoubtbutitwastheoneMotherDuncanmet。'Twasdownthetrailthere，justalittlefartheron，thatIfoundher，andit'ssuretobecloseyet。"
　　McLeanslidfromNellie'sback，ledherintothetrailfartherdowntheline，andtiedhertoabush。Thenhewenttoexaminetheotter。
　　Itwasarare，bigspecimen，withexquisitelyfine，long，silkyhair。
　　"Whatdoyouwanttodowithit，Freckles？"askedMcLean，ashestrokedthesoftfurlingeringly。"Doyouknowthatitisveryvaluable？"
　　"Iwasforalmostprayingso，sir，"saidFreckles。"AsIsawitcomingupthebankIthoughtthis:Oncesomewhereinabooktherewasapictureofayounggirl，andshewasjustabreathlikethebeautifulnessoftheAngel。Herhandswereinamuffasbigasherbody，andIthoughtitwassopretty。Ithinkshewassomequeen，orthelike。DoyousupposeIcouldhavethisskintannedandmadeintosuchamuffasthat？——anenormousbigone，sir？"
　　"Ofcourseyoucan，"saidMcLean。"That'safineideaandit'seasyenough。Wemustboxandexpresstheotter，coldstorage，bythefirsttrain。YoustandguardaminuteandI'lltellHalltocarryittothecabin。I'llputNellietoDuncan'srig，andwe'lldrivetotownandcallontheAngel'sfather。Thenwe'llstarttheotterwhileitisfresh，andI'llwriteyourinstructionslater。ItwouldbeamightyfinethingforyoutogivetotheAngelasalittlereminderoftheLimberlostbeforeitisdespoiled，andasasouvenirofhertripforyou。"
　　Frecklesliftedafacewithaglowofhappycolorcreepingintoitandeyeslightingwithaformerbrightness。ThrowinghisarmsaroundMcLean，hecried:"Oh，howIloveyou！Oh，IwishIcouldmakeyouknowhowIloveyou！"
　　McLeanstrainedhimtohisbreast。
　　"Godblessyou，Freckles，"hesaid。"Idoknow！We'regoingtohavesomegoodoldtimesoutofthisworldtogether，andwecan'tbegintoosoon。Wouldyourathersleepfirst，orhaveabiteoflunch，takethedrivewithme，andthenrest？Idon'tknowbutsleepwillcomesooneranddeepertotaketherideandhaveyourmindsetateasebeforeyouliedown。Supposeyougo。"
　　"SupposeIdo，"saidFreckles，withaglimmeroftheoldlightinhiseyesandnewlyfoundstrengthtoshouldertheotter。
　　Togethertheyturnedintothetrail。
　　McLeannoticedandspokeofthebigblackchickens。
　　"They'vebeenhangingroundoutthereforseveraldayspast，"
　　saidFreckles。"I'lltellyouwhatIthinkitmeans。Ithinktheoldrattlerhaskilledsomethingtoobigforhimtoswallow，andhe'skeepingguardandwon'tletmechickenshaveit。I'mjustsure，fromthewaythebirdshaveactedoutthereallsummer，thatitistherattler'sden。Youwatchthemnow。Seethewaytheydipandthenrise，frightenedlike！"
　　SuddenlyMcLeanturnedtowardhimwithblanchingface"Freckles！"hecried。
　　"MyGod，sir！"shudderedFreckles。
　　Hedroppedtheotter，caughtuphisclub，andplungedintotheswale。
　　Reachingforhisrevolver，McLeanfollowed。Thechickenscircledhigherattheircoming，andthebigsnakeliftedhisheadandrattledangrily。ItsankinsinuouscoilsatthereportofMcLean'srevolver，andtogetherheandFrecklesstoodbesideBlackJack。
　　Hisfatewasevidentandmosthorrible。
　　"Come，"saidtheBossatlast。"Wedon'tdaretouchhim。WewillgetasheetfromMrs。Duncanandtuckoverhim，tokeeptheseswarmsofinsectsaway，andsetHallonguard，whilewefindtheofficers。"
　　Freckles'lipsclosedresolutely。HedeliberatelythrusthisclubunderBlackJack'sbody，and，raisinghim，resteditonhisknee。
　　Hepulledalongsilverpinfromthefrontofthedeadman'sshirtandsentitspinningintotheswale。Thenhegatheredupafewcrumpledbrightflowersanddroppedthemintothepoolfaraway。
　　"Mysoulissickwiththehorrorofthisthing，"saidMcLean，asheandFrecklesdrovetowardtown。"Ican'tunderstandhowJackdaredriskcreepingthroughtheswale，evenindesperation。Nooneknewitsdangersbetterthanhe。Andwhydidhechoosetherankest，muckiestplacetocrosstheswamp？"
　　"Don'tyouthink，sir，itwasbecauseitwasonalinewiththeLimberlostsouthofthecorduroy？Thegrasswastallestthere，andhecountedonthosewillowstoscreenhim。Oncehegotamongthem，hewouldhavebeensafetowalkbystooping。Ifhe'dmadeitpastthatplace，he'dbeensuretogetout。"
　　"Well，I'massorryforJackasIknowhowtobe，"saidMcLean，"butIcan'thelpfeelingrelievedthatourtroublesareover，fornowtheyare。WithsodreadfulapunishmentforJack，Wessnerunderarrest，andwarrantsfortheothers，wecancountontheirgoingawayandremaining。Asforanyoneelse，Idon'tthinktheywillcaretoattemptstealingmytimberaftertheexperienceofthesemen。
　　ThereisnoothermanherewithJack'sfineabilityinwoodcraft。
　　Hewasanexpert。"
　　"Didyoueverhearofanyonewhoevertriedtolocateanytreesexceptinghim？"askedFreckles。
　　"No，Ineverdid，"saidMcLean。"Iamsuretherewasnoonebesideshim。Yousee，itwasonlywiththearrivalofourcompanythattheotherfellowsscentedgoodstuffintheLimberlost，andtriedtoworkin。Jackknewtheswampbetterthananyonehere。
　　Whenhefoundthereweretwocompaniestryingtolease，hewantedtostandinwiththeonefromwhichhecouldrealizethemost。
　　Eventhenhehadtreesmarkedthathewastryingtodisposeof。
　　Ithinkhissoleintentioninforcingmetodischargehimfrommygangwastocomehereandtrytostealtimber。Wehadnoidea，whenwetookthelease，whatagoldmineitwas。"
　　"That'sexactlywhatWessnersaidthatfirstday，"saidFreckleseagerly。
　　"That'twasa`goldmine'！Hesaidhedidn'tknowwherethemarkedtreeswere，butheknewamanwhodid，andifIwouldholdoffandletthemgetthemarkedones，therewereadozentheycouldgetoutinafewdays。"
　　"Freckles！"criedMcLean。"Youdon'tmeanadozen！"
　　"That'swhathesaid，sir——adozen。Hesaidtheycouldn'ttellhowthegrainofallofthemwouldworkup，ofcourse，buttheywereallworthtakingout，andfiveorsixwererealgoldmines。Thismakesthreethey'vetried，sotheremustbeninemoremarked，andseveralofthemforbeingjustfine。"
　　"Well，IwishIknewwhichtheyare，"saidMcLean，"soIcouldgetthemoutfirst。"
　　"Ihavebeenthinking，"saidFreckles。"Ibelieveifyouwillleaveoneoftheguardsontheline——sayHall——thatIwillbeginontheswamp，atthenorthend，andlayitoffinsections，andtrytohuntoutthemarkedtrees。Isupposetheyareallmarkedsomethinglikethatfirstmapleonthelinewas。Wessnermentionedanothergoodonenotsofarfromthat。Hesaiditwasbestofall。I'dbehavingtheswelledheadifIcouldfindthat。Ofcourse，Idon'tknowathingaboutthetrees，butIcouldhuntforthemarks。
　　Jackwassogoodatithecouldtellsomeofthembythebark，butallhewantedtotakethatwe'vefoundsofarhavejusthadadeepchipcutout，ratherlowdown，andwherethebusheswerethickoverit。
　　IbelieveIcouldbefindingsomeofthem。"
　　"Goodhead！"saidMcLean。"Wewilldothat。Youmaybeginassoonasyouarerested。Andaboutthingsyoucomeacrossintheswamp，Freckles——themosttriflinglittlethingthatyouthinktheBirdWomanwouldwant，takeyourwheelandgoafterheratanytime。
　　I'llleavetwomenontheline，sothatyouwillhaveoneoneitherside，andyoucancomeandgoasyouplease。Haveyoustoppedtothinkofallweoweher，myboy？"
　　"Yis；andtheAngel——weoweheralot，too，"saidFreckles。"Iowehermelifeandhonor。It'slyingawakenightsI'llhavetobetryingtothinkhowI'mevertopayherup。"
　　"Well，beginwiththemuff，"suggestedMcLean。"Thatshouldbefine。"
　　Hebentdownandruffledtherichfuroftheotterlyingathisfeet。
　　"Idon'texactlyseehowitcomestobeinsuchsplendidfurinsummer。
　　Theircoatsarealwaysthickincoldweather，butthisscarcelycouldbeimproved。I'llwireCoopertobewatchingforit。
　　Theymusthaveitfresh。Whenit'stannedwewon'tspareanyexpenseinmakingitup。Itshouldbearoyalthing，andsomewayIthinkitwillexactlysuittheAngel。Ican'tthinkofanythingthatwouldbemoreappropriateforher。"
　　"NeithercanI，"agreedFrecklesheartily。"WhenIreachthecitythere'soneotherthing，ifI'vethemoneyafterthemuffisfinished。"
　　HetoldMcLeanofMrs。Duncan'sdesireforahatsimilartotheAngel's。Hehesitatedalittleinthetelling，keepingsharpwatchonMcLean'sface。WhenhesawtheBoss'seyeswerefullofcomprehensionandsympathy，helovedhimanew，for，asever，McLeanwasquicktounderstand。Insteadoflaughing，hesaid:"Ithinkyou'llhavetoletmeinonthat，too。Youmustn'tbeselfish，youknow。I'lltellyouwhatwe'lldo。SenditforChristmas。
　　I'llbehomethen，andwecanfillabox。Yougetthehat。
　　I'lladdadressandwrap。YoubuyDuncanahatandgloves。
　　I'llsendhimabigovercoat，andwe'llputinalotoflittlestuffforthebabies。Won'tthatbefun？"
　　Frecklesfairlyshiveredwithdelight。
　　"Thatwouldbeawaytooseriousforfun，"hesaid。"Thatwouldbeheavenly。Howlongwillitbe？"
　　Hebegancountingthetime，andMcLeandeliberatelysethimselftoencourageFrecklesandkeephisthoughtsfromthetroubleofthepastfewdays，forhehadbeenoverwroughtandneededquietandrest。
　　CHAPTERXV
　　WhereinFrecklesandtheAngelTryTakingaPicture，andLittleChickenFurnishestheSubjectAweeklatereverythingattheLimberlostwaspreciselyasithadbeenbeforethetragedy，exceptthecaseinFreckles'roomnowrestedonthestumpofthenewlyfelledtree。Enoughofthevineswerelefttocoveritprettily，andeveryvestigeofthehavocofafewdaysbeforewasgone。Newguardswerepatrollingthetrail。
　　Freckleswasroughlylayingofftheswampinsectionsandsearchingformarkedtrees。Inthattimehehadfoundonedeeplychippedandthechipcunninglyreplacedandtackedin。Itpromisedtobequiterare，sohewasjubilant。HealsofoundsomanysubjectsfortheBirdWomanthathercomingwasofalmostdailyoccurrence，andthehourshespentwithherandtheAngelwerenothinglessthangolden。
　　TheLimberlostwasnowarrayedastheQueenofShebainallherglory。
　　Thefirstfrostsofautumnhadbejewelledhercrowninflashingtopaz，ruby，andemerald。Aroundherfeettrailedthepurpleofhergarments，whileinherhandwashergoldenscepter。
　　Everythingwasatfulltide。Itseemedasifnothingcouldgrowlovelier，anditwasallstandingstillafewweeks，waitingcomingdestruction。
　　Theswampwaspalpitantwithlife。Everypairofbirdsthathadflockedtoitinthespringwasnowmultipliedbyfromtwototen。
　　TheyoungweretamefromFreckles'tri-parenthood，andsoplumpandsleekthattheywerequiteasbeautifulastheirelders，evenifinmanycasestheylackedtheirbrilliantplumage。Itwasthesamestoryofincreaseeverywhere。Therewerechubbylittleground-hogsscuddingonthetrail。Therewerecunningbabycoonsandopossumspeepingfromhollowlogsandtrees。Youngmuskratsfollowedtheirparentsacrossthelagoons。
　　Ifyoucouldcomeuponafamilyoffoxesthathadnotyetdisbanded，andseetheyoungplayingwithawildduck'scarcassthattheirmotherhadbrought，andnotetheprideandsatisfactioninhereyesasshelayatonesideguardingthem，itwouldbeapicturenottobeforgotten。Frecklesnevertiredofstudyingthedevotionofafoxmothertoherbabies。Tohim，whoseearlylifehadbeensoembitteredbycontinualproofofneglectandcrueltyinhumanparentstowardtheirchildren，theloveofthesefurredandfeatheredfolkoftheLimberlostwasevenmoreofamiraclethantotheBirdWomanandtheAngel。
　　TheAngellikedthebabyrabbitsandsquirrels。Earlierintheseason，whentheyoungwereyetverysmall，itsohappenedthatattimesFrecklescouldgiveintoherhandsoneoftheselittleones。