Thenitwaspurejoytostandbackandwatchherheavingbreast，flushedcheek，andshiningeyes。Hersweresuchlovelyeyes。
　　Freckleshaddiscoveredlatelythattheywerenotsodarkashehadthoughtthematfirst，butthatthelengthandthicknessoflash，bywhichtheywereshaded，madethemappeardarkerthantheyreallywere。Theywereforeverchanging。Nowsparklinganddarklingwithwit，nowhumidwithsympathy，nowburningwiththefireofcourage，nowtakingonstrengthofcolorwithambition，nowflashingindignantlyattheabuseofanycreature。
　　Shehadcarriedseveralofthesquirrelandbunnybabieshome，andhadlitteredtheconservatorywiththem。Hercareofthemwasperfect。
　　Shewaslearninghernaturalhistoryfromnature，andhavingmuchhealthfulexercise。Toher，theywerethemostinterestingofall，buttheBirdWomanpreferredthebirds，withaclosesecondinthemothsandbutterflies。
　　Brownbutterflytimehadcome。Theedgeoftheswalewasfilledwithmilkweed，andotherplantsbelovedofthem，andtheairwasgoldenwiththeflashingsatinwingsofthemonarch，viceroy，andargynnis。Theyoutnumberedthoseofanyothercolorthreetoone。
　　Amongthebirdsitreallyseemedasifthelittleyellowfellowswereinthepreponderance。Atleast，theywereuntiltheredwingedblackbirdsandbobolinks，thathadnestedontheupland，suddenlysawintheswampthegardenoftheLordandcameswarmingbyhundredstofeastandadventureuponittheselastfewweeksbeforemigration。
　　Neverwasthereafinerfeastspreadforthebirds。Thegrasseswerefilledwithseeds:so，too，wereweedsofeveryvariety。
　　Fallberrieswereripe。Wildgrapesandblackhawswereready。
　　Bugswerecreepingeverywhere。Themuckwasyeastywithworms。
　　Insectsfilledtheair。Naturemadegloriouspauseforholidaybeforehernextchange，andbynoneofthefrequentersoftheswampwasthismoreappreciatedthanbythebigblackchickens。
　　Theyseemedtofeelthenewreignofpeaceandfullnessmostofall。
　　Asforfood，theydidnotevenhavetohuntforthemselvesthesedays，forthefeastsnowbeingspreadbeforeLittleChickenweremorethanhecoulduse，andhewasgladtohavehisparentscomedownandhelphim。
　　Hewasafine，big，overgrownfellow，andhiswings，withquillsofjettyblack，gleamingwithbronze，weresostrongtheyalmostliftedhisbody。Hehadthreeinchesoftail，andhisbeakandclawsweresharp。Hismusclesbegantoclamorforexercise。
　　Heracedthefortyfeetofhishomebackandforthmanytimeseveryhouroftheday。Afterafewdaysofthat，hebeganliftingandspreadinghiswings，andfloppingthemuntilthedownonhisbackwasfilledwithelmfiber。Thenhecommencedjumping。Thefunnylittlehops，springs，andsidewiseboundshegavesetFrecklesandtheAngel，hiddenintheswamp，watchinghim，intosmotheredchucklesofdelight。
　　Sometimeshefelltocoquettingwithhimself；andthatwasthefunniestthingofall，forheturnedhisheadup，down，fromsidetoside，anddrewinhischinwithprinkylittlejerksandtilts。
　　Hewouldstretchhisneck，throwuphishead，turnittoonesideandsmirk——actuallysmirk，themostcomplacentandself-satisfiedsmirkthatanyoneeversawonthefaceofabird。ItwassocomicalthatFrecklesandtheAngeltoldtheBirdWomanofitoneday。
　　WhenshefinishedherworkonLittleChicken，sheleftthemthecamerareadyforuse，tellingthemtheymighthideinthebushesandwatch。IfLittleChickencameoutandtrulysmirked，andtheycouldsqueezethebulbatthepropermomenttosnaphim，shewouldbemorethandelighted。
　　FrecklesandtheAngelquietlycurledbesideabiglog，andwitheagereyesandsoftestbreathingtheypatientlywaited；butLittleChickenhadfeastedbeforetheytoldofhislatestaccomplishment。
　　Hewastiredandsleepy，sohewentintothelogtobed，andforanhourheneverstirred。
　　Theywerebecominganxious，forthelightsoonwouldbegone，andtheyhadsowantedtotryforthepicture。AtlastLittleChickenliftedhishead，openedhisbeak，andgapedwidely。Hedozedaminuteortwomore。TheAngelsaidthatwashisbeautysleep。
　　Thenhelazilygapedagainandstoodup，stretchingandyawning。
　　Heambledleisurelytowardthegateway，andtheAngelsaid:
　　"Now，wemayhaveachance，atlast。"
　　"Idohopeso，"shiveredFreckles。
　　Withoneaccordtheyarosetotheirkneesandtrainedtheireyesonthemouthofthelog。Thelightwasfullandstrong。LittleChickenprospectedagainwithnoresults。Hedressedhisplumage，polishedhisbeak，andwhenhefeltfineandinfulltoilethebegantoflirtwithhimself。Freckles'eyessnappedandhisbreathsuckedbetweenhisclenchedteeth。
　　"He'sgoingtodoit！"whisperedtheAngel。"Thatwillcomenext。
　　You'llbestgivemethatbulb！"
　　"Yis，"assentedFreckles，buthewaslookingatthelogandhemadenomovetorelinquishthebulb。
　　LittleChickennoddeddaintilyandruffledhisfeathers。Hegavehisheadsundrylittlesidewisejerksandrapidlyshiftedhispointofvision。Oncetherewasthefleetinglittleghostofasmirk。
　　"Now！——No！"snappedtheAngel。
　　Frecklesleanedtowardthebird。Tenselyhewaited。UnconsciouslythehandoftheAngelclaspedhis。Hescarcelyknewitwasthere。
　　SuddenlyLittleChickensprangstraightintheairandlandedwithathud。TheAngelstartedslightly，butFreckleswasimmovable。
　　Then，asifinapprovalofhislastperformance，thebig，overgrownbabywheeleduntilhewasmorethanthree-quarters，almostfullside，towardthecamera，straightenedonhislegs，squaredhisshoulders，stretchedhisneckfullheight，drewinhischinandsmirkedhismostpronouncedsmirk，directlyinthefaceofthelens。
　　Freckles'fingersclosedonthebulbconvulsively，andtheAngel'sclosedonhisattheinstant。Thensheheavedagreatsighofreliefandliftedherhandstopushbackthedamp，clusteringhairfromherface。
　　"Howsoondoyous'poseitwillbefinished？"cameFreckles'
　　stridentwhisper。
　　ForthefirsttimetheAngellookedathim。Hewasonhisknees，leaningforward，hiseyesdirectedtowardthebird，theperspirationrunninginlittlestreamsdownhisred，mosquito-bittenface。Hishatwasawry，hisbrighthairrampant，hisbreastheavingwithexcitement，whileheyetgrippedthebulbwitheveryounceofstrengthinhisbody。
　　"Doyouthinkwewereforgettingit？"heasked。
　　TheAngelcouldonlynod。Frecklesheavedadeepsighofrelief。
　　"Well，ifthatain'tthehardestworkIeverdidinmelife！"
　　heexclaimed。"It'snowondertheBirdWoman'sforcomingoutoftheswamplookingasifshe'sbeenthroughafire，aflood，andafamine，ifthat'swhatshegoesthroughdayafterday。Butifyouthinkwegotit，why，it'sworthallittook，andI'mgladaseveryouare，sure！"
　　Theyputtheholdersinthecase，carefullyclosedthecamera，setitinalso，andcarriedittotheroad。
　　ThenFrecklesexulted。
　　"Now，let'sbetellingtheBirdWomanaboutit！"heshouted，wildlydancingandswinginghishat。
　　"Wegotit！Wegotit！Ibetafarmwegotit！"
　　Handinhandtheyrantothenorthendoftheswamp，yelling"Wegotit！"likeyoungComanches，andnevergaveathoughttowhattheymightdountilabigblue-graybird，withlongneckandtrailinglegs，aroseonflappingwingsandsailedovertheLimberlost。
　　TheAngelbecamewhitetothelipsandgrippedFreckleswithbothhands。Hegulpedwithmortificationandturnedhisback。
　　Tofrightenhersubjectawaycarelessly！ItwastheheadcrimeintheBirdWoman'scategory。Sheextendedherhandsasshearose，baked，blistered，anddripping，andexclaimed:"Blessyou，mychildren！Blessyou！"Andittrulysoundedasifshemeantit。
　　"Why，why——"stammeredthebewilderedAngel。
　　Freckleshurriedintothebreach。
　　"Youmustbeforblamingiteverybitonme。IwasthinkingwegotLittleChicken'spicturerealgood。IwassodrunkwiththejoyofitIlostallmesensesand，`Let'sruntelltheBirdWoman，'saysI。
　　LikeafoolIwasforrunning，andIsortofdraggedtheAngelalong。"
　　"OhFreckles！"expostulatedtheAngel。"Areyouloony？Ofcourse，itwasallmyfault！I'vebeenwithherhundredsoftimes。IknewperfectlywellthatIwasn'ttoletanything——NOTANYTHING——scareherbirdaway！IwassocrazyIforgot。Theblameisallmine，andshe'llneverforgiveme。"
　　"Shewill，too！"criedFreckles。"Wasn'tyoufortellingmethatveryfirstdaythatwhenpeoplescaredherbirdsawayshejustkilledthem！It'sallmefoolishness，andI'llneverforgivemeself！"
　　TheBirdWomanplungedintotheswaleatthemouthofSleepySnakeCreek，andcamewadingtowardthem，withacoupleofcamerasanddrippingtripods。
　　"Ifyouwillpermitmeaword，myinfants，"shesaid，"IwillexplaintoyouthatIhavehadthreeshotsatthatfellow。"
　　TheAngelheavedadeepsighofrelief，andFreckles'faceclearedalittle。
　　"Twoofthem，"continuedtheBirdWoman，"intherushes——onefacing，crestlowered；onelightonback，crestflared；andthelastonwing，whenyoucameup。Isimplyhadbeenprayingforsomethingtomakehimarisefromthatside，sothathewouldflytowardthecamera，forhehadwadedarounduntilinmypositionI
　　couldn'tdoitmyself。See？Beholdinyourselvestheanswertotheprayersofthelong-suffering！"
　　Frecklestookasteptowardher。
　　"Areyoureallymeaningthat？"heaskedwonderingly。"Onlythink，Angel，wedidtherightthing！Shewon'tloseherpicturethroughthecarelessnessofus，whenshe'swaitedandsoakednearlytwohours。
　　She'snotangrywithus！"
　　"Neverwasinasweetertemperinmylife，"saidtheBirdWoman，busilycleaningandpackingthecameras。
　　Frecklesremovedhishatandsolemnlyheldouthishand。WithequalsolemnitytheAngelgraspedit。TheBirdWomanlaughedalone，fortothemthesituationhadbeentooserioustodevelopanyoftheelementsoffun。
　　Thentheyloadedthecarriage，andtheBirdWomanandtheAngelstartedfortheirhomes。Ithadbeenadifficulttimeforallofthem，sotheywereverytired，buttheywerejoyful。Freckleswassohappyitseemedtohimthatlifecouldholdlittlemore。AstheBirdWomanwasreadytodriveawayhelaidhishandonthelinesandlookedintoherface。
　　"Doyousupposewegotit？"heasked，soeagerlythatshewouldhavegivenmuchtobeabletosayyeswithconviction。
　　"Why，mydear，Idon'tknow，"shesaid。"I'venowaytojudge。
　　Ifyoumadetheexposurejustbeforeyoucametome，therewasyetafinelight。IfyouwaiteduntilLittleChickenwasclosetheentrance，youshouldhavesomethinggood，evenifyoudidn'tcatchjustthefleetingexpressionforwhichyouhoped。Ofcourse，I
　　can'tsaysurely，butIthinkthereiseveryreasontobelievethatyouhaveitallright。Iwilldeveloptheplatetonight，makeyouaprooffromitearlyinthemorning，andbringitwhenwecome。
　　It'sonlyaquestionofadayortwonowuntilthegangarrives。
　　IwanttoworkinallthestudiesIcanbeforethattime，fortheyareboundtodisturbthebirds。Mr。McLeanwillneedyouthen，andIscarcelyseehowwearetodowithoutyou。"
　　Movedbyanimpulsesheneverafterwardregretted，shebentandlaidherlipsonFreckles'forehead，kissinghimgentlyandthankinghimforhismanykindnessestoherinherlovedwork。
　　Frecklesstartedawaysohappythathefeltinclinedtokeepwatchingbehindtoseeifthetrailwerenotcurlingupandrollingdownthelineafterhim。
　　CHAPTERXVI
　　WhereintheAngelLocatesaRareTreeandDineswiththeGangFromafarFrecklessawthemcoming。TheAngelwasstanding，wavingherhat。Hesprangonhiswheelandraced，joltingandpounding，downthecorduroytomeetthem。TheBirdWomanstoppedthehorseandtheAngelgavehimthebitofprintpaper。Frecklesleanedthewheelagainstatreeandtooktheproofwitheagerfingers。
　　Heneverbeforehadseenastudyfromanyofhischickens。
　　Hestoodstaring。Whenheturnedhisfacetowardthemitwastransfiguredwithdelight。
　　"Yousee！"heexclaimed，andbegangazingagain。"Oh，meLittleChicken！"hecried。"OhmeilegantLittleChicken！I'dbegivingallmemoneyinthebankforyou！"
　　ThenhethoughtoftheAngel'smuffandMrs。Duncan'shat，andadded，"oratleast，allbutwhatI'mneedingbadforsomethingelse。
　　WouldyoumindstoppingatthecabinaminuteandshowingthistoMotherDuncan？"heasked。
　　"Givemethatlittlebookinyourpocket，"saidtheBirdWoman。
　　Shefoldedtheouteredgesoftheproofsothatitwouldfitintothebook，explainingasshedidsoitsperishablenatureinthatstate。Freckleswenthurryingahead，andtheyarrivedintimetoseeMrs。Duncangazingasifawestruck，andtohearherbewildered"WeelIbedrawedon！"
　　FrecklesandtheAngelhelpedtheBirdWomantoestablishherselfforalongdayatthemouthofSleepySnakeCreek。Thenshesentthemawayandwaitedwhatluckwouldbringtoher。
　　"Now，whatshallwedo？"inquiredtheAngel，whowasabundleofnervesandenergy。
　　"Wouldyouliketogotomeroomawhile？"askedFreckles。
　　"Ifyoudon'tcaretoverymuch，I'drathernot，"saidtheAngel。
　　"I'lltellyou。Let'sgohelpMrs。Duncanwithdinnerandplaywiththebaby。Iloveanice，cleanbaby。"
　　Theystartedtowardthecabin。Everyfewminutestheystoppedtoinvestigatesomethingortochatteroversomenaturalhistorywonder。
　　TheAngelhadquickeyes；sheseemedtoseeeverything，butFreckles'
　　wereevenquicker；forlifeitselfhaddependedontheirsharpnesseversincethebeginningofhisworkattheswamp。Theysawitatthesametime。
　　"Someonehasbeenmakingaflagpole，"saidtheAngel，runningthetoeofhershoearoundthestump，evidentlymadethatseason。
　　"Freckles，whatwouldanyonecutatreeassmallasthatfor？"
　　"Idon'tknow，"saidFreckles。
　　"Well，butIwanttoknow！"saidtheAngel。"Noonecameawayhereandcutitforfun。They'vetakenitaway。Let'sgobackandseeifwecanseeitanywherearoundthere。"
　　Sheturned，retracedherfootsteps，andbeganeagerlysearching。
　　Frecklesdidthesame。
　　"Thereitis！"heexclaimedatlast，"leaningagainstthetrunkofthatbigmaple。"
　　"Yes，andleaningtherehaskilledapatchofdriedbark，"saidtheAngel。"Seehowdrieditappears？"
　　Frecklesstaredather。
　　"Angel！"heshouted，"Ibetyouit'samarkedtree！"
　　"Courseitis！"criedtheAngel。"Noonewouldcutthatsaplingandcarryitawaythereandleanitupfornothing。I'lltellyou！ThisisoneofJack'smarkedtrees。He'sclimbedupthereaboveanyone'shead，peeledthebark，andcutintothegrainenoughtobesure。
　　Thenhe'slaidthebarkbackandfasteneditwiththatpoletomarkit。
　　Yousee，there'realotofotherbigmaplesclosearoundit。Canyouclimbtothatplace？"
　　"Yes，"saidFreckles；"ifItakeoffmywading-bootsIcan。"
　　"Thentakethemoff，"saidtheAngel，"anddohurry！Can'tyouseethatIamalmostcrazytoknowifthistreeisamarkedone？"
　　Whentheypushedthesaplingover，apieceofbarkasbigasthecrownofFreckles'hatfellaway。
　　"Ibelieveitlookskindofnubby，"encouragedtheAngel，backingaway，withherfaceallscrewedintoatwistinanefforttointensifyhervision。
　　Frecklesreachedtheopening，thenslidrapidlytotheground。
　　Hewasalmostbreathlesswhilehiseyeswereflashing。
　　"Thebark'sbeencutcleanwithaknife，thesapscrapedaway，andabigchiptakenoutdeep。Thetrunkisthetwistiestthingyoueversaw。It'sfullofeyesasabirdisoffeathers！"
　　TheAngelwasdancingandshakinghishand。
　　"Oh，Freckles，"shecried，"I'msodelightedthatyoufoundit！"
　　"ButIdidn't，"saidtheastonishedFreckles。"Thattreeisn'tmyfind；it'syours。Iforgotitandwasgoingon；youwouldn'tgiveup，andkepttalkingaboutit，andturnedback。Youfoundit！"
　　"You'dbestbelookingafteryourreputationfortruthandveracity，"saidtheAngel。"Youknowyousawthatsaplingfirst！"
　　"Yes，afteryoutookmebackandsetmelookingforit，"scoffedFreckles。
　　Theclear，ringingechoofstronglyswungaxescamecrashingthroughtheLimberlost。
　　"'Tisthegang！"shoutedFreckles。"They'reclearingaplacetomakethecamp。Let'sgohelp！"
　　"Hadn'twebettermarkthattreeagain？"cautionedtheAngel。
　　"It'sawayinhere。There'ssuchalotofthem，andallsomuchalike。We'dfeelgoodandgreentofinditandthenloseit。"
　　Frecklesliftedthesaplingtoreplaceit，buttheAngelmotionedhimaway。
　　"Useyourhatchet，"shesaid。"Ipredictthisisthemostvaluabletreeintheswamp。Youfoundit。I'mgoingtoplaythatyou'remyknight。Now，younailmycolorsonit。"
　　Shereachedup，andpullingabluebowfromherhair，untiedanddoubleditagainstthetree。Frecklesturnedhiseyesfromherandmanagedthefasteningwithshakingfingers。TheAngelhadcalledhimherknight！DearLord，howhelovedher！Shemustnotseehisface，orsurelyherquickeyeswouldreadwhathewasfightingtohide。
　　Hedidnotdarelayhislipsonthatribbonthen，butthatnighthewouldreturntoit。Whentheyhadgonealittledistance，theybothlookedback，andthemorningbreezesetthebitofbluewavingthemafarewell。
　　Theywalkedatarapidpace。
　　"Iamsorryaboutscaringthebirds，"saidtheAngel，"butit'salmosttimeforthemtogoanyway。Ifeeldreadfullyoverhavingtheswampruined，butisn'titadelighttohearthegood，honestringofthoseaxes，insteadofstrainingyourearsforstealthysounds？Isn'titfinetogoopenlyandfreely，withnothingworsethanasnakeorapoison-vinetofear？"
　　"Ah！"saidFreckles，withalongbreath，"it'sbetterthanyoucandream，Angel。NobodywilleverbeguessingsomeofthethingsI'vebeenthroughtryingtokeepmepromisetotheBoss，andtoholdoutuntilthisday。Thatit'scomewithonlyonefreshstump，andthelogfromthatsaved，andthisnewtreetoreport，isn'titgrand？
　　MaybeMr。McLeanwillbeforgettingthatstumpwhenheseesthistree，Angel！"
　　"Hecan'tforgetit，"saidtheAngel；andinanswertoFreckles'
　　startledeyessheadded，"becauseheneverhadanyreasontorememberit。Hecouldn'thavedoneawhitbetterhimself。Myfathersaysso。You'reallright，Freckles！"
　　Shereachedhimherhand，andastwochildren，theybrokeintoarunwhentheycamecloserthegang。Theylefttheswampbythewestroadandfollowedthetrailuntiltheyfoundthemen。TotheAngelitseemedcompletecharm。Intheshadiestspotonthewestsideoftheline，attheedgeoftheswampandverycloseFreckles'room，theywerecuttingbushesandclearingspaceforabigtentforthemen'ssleeping-quarters，anotherforadining-hall，andaboardshackforthecook。Theteamsterswereunloading，thehorseswerecroppingleavesfromthebushes，whileeachmanwasdoinghisparttowardtheconstructionofthenewLimberlostquarters。
　　FreckleshelpedtheAngelclimbonawagonloadofcanvasintheshade。
　　Sheremovedherleggings，wipedherheatedface，andglowedwithhappinessandinterest。
　　Theganghadbeensiftedcarefully。McLeannowfeltthattherewasnotamaninitwhowasnottrustworthy。
　　TheyallhadheardoftheAngel'spluckyrideforFreckles'relief；
　　severalofthemhadbeenintherescueparty。Others，newsincethattime，hadheardthetalerehearsedinitseveryaspectaroundthesmudge-firesatnight。AlmostallofthemknewtheAngelbysightfromhertripswiththeBirdWomantotheirleases。Theyallknewherfather，herposition，andtheluxuriesofherhome。
　　Whatevercourseshehadchosenwiththemtheyscarcelywouldhaveresentedit，buttheAngelneverhadbeenknowntochooseacourse。
　　Herspiritoffriendlinesswasinbornandinbred。Shelovedeveryone，soshesympathizedwitheveryone。Hergenerositywasonlylimitedbywhatwasinherpowertogive。
　　Shecamedownthetrail，handinhandwiththered-haired，freckledtimberguardwhomshehadwornherselfpastthelimitofendurancetosaveonlyafewweeksbefore，racinginhereagernesstoreachthem，andlaughingher"Goodmorning，gentlemen，"rightandleft。
　　Whenshewasensconcedonthewagonloadoftenting，shesatonarollofcanvasasaqueenonherthrone。Therewasnotamanofthegangwhodidnotrespecther。Shewasalivingexponentofuniversalbrotherhood。Therewasnomanamongthemwhoneededherexquisitefaceordaintyclothingtoteachhimthatthedeferencedueagentlewomanshouldbepaidher。Thatthespiritofgoodfellowshipsheradiatedleviedanespecialtributeofitsown，anditbecametheirdelighttohonorandpleaseher。
　　Astheyracedtowardthewagon——"Letmetellaboutthetree，please？"shebeggedFreckles。
　　"Why，sure！"saidFreckles。
　　Heprobablywouldhavesaidthesametoanythingshesuggested。
　　WhenMcLeancame，hefoundtheAngelflushedandglowing，sittingonthewagon，herhandsalreadyfilled。Oneofthemen，whowascuttingascrub-oak，hadcarriedtoherahandfulofcrimsonleaves。
　　Anotherhadgatheredabunchofdelicatemarsh-grassheadsforher。
　　Someoneelse，intakingoutabush，hadfoundadaintilybuiltandlinedlittlenest，freshaswhenmade。
　　ShehelduphertreasuresandgreetedMcLean，"Goodmorning，Mr。
　　BossoftheLimberlost！"
　　Thegangshouted，whilehebowedprofoundlybeforeher。
　　"Everyonelisten！"criedtheAngel，climbingarollofcanvas。
　　"Ihavesomethingtosay！Freckleshasbeenguardinghereoverayearnow，andhepresentstheLimberlosttoyou，witheverytreeinitsaved；forgoodmeasurehehasthismorninglocatedtherarestoneofthemall:theoneinfromtheeastline，thatWessnerspokeofthefirstday——nearesttheoneyoutookout。Alltogether！
　　Everyone！HurrahforFreckles！"
　　Withflushingcheeksandgleamingeyes，gailywavingthegrassaboveherhead，sheledinthreecheersandatiger。Frecklesslippedintotheswampandhidhimself，forfearhecouldnotconcealhisprideandhisgreatsurging，throbbingloveforher。
　　TheAngelsubsidedonthecanvasandexplainedtoMcLeanaboutthemaple。TheBosswasmightilypleased。HetookFrecklesandsetouttore-locateandexaminethetree。TheAngelwasinterestedinthemakingofthecamp，soshepreferredtoremainwiththemen。
　　Withhersharpeyesshewaswatchingeverydetailofconstruction；
　　butwhenitcametothestretchingofthedining-hallcanvassheproceededtotakecommand。Themenweredrivingtherope-pins，whentheAngelaroseonthewagonand，leaningforward，spoketoDuncan，whowasdirectingthework。
　　"Ibelieveifyouwillswingthataroundafewfeetfarther，youwillfinditbetter，Mr。Duncan，"shesaid。"Thatwaywillletthehotsuninatnoon，whilethesideswillcutoffthebestbreeze。"
　　"That'safact，"saidDuncan，studyingtheconditions。
　　So，byshiftingthepinsalittle，theyobtainedcomfortforwhichtheyblessedtheAngeleveryday。Whentheycametothesleeping-tent，theyconsultedheraboutthat。Sheexplainedthegeneraldirectionofthenightbreezeandindicatedthebestpositionforthetent。Beforeanyoneknewhowithappened，theAngelwasstandingonthewagon，directingthelocationandconstructionofthecooking-shack，theerectionofthecraneforthebigboiling-pots，andthebuildingofthestore-room。
　　Shesuperintendedthelayingofthefloorofthesleeping-tentlengthwise，Sothatitwouldbeeasiertosweep，andsuggestedanewarrangementofthecotsthatwouldaffordallthemenanequalshareofnightbreeze。Sheleftthewagon，andclimbingonthenewlyerecteddining-table，advisedwiththecookinplacinghisstove，table，andkitchenutensils。
　　WhenFrecklesreturnedfromthetreetojoinintheworkaroundthecamp，hecaughtglimpsesofherenthronedonasoapbox，cleaningbeans。
　　Shecalledtohimthattheywereinvitedfordinner，andthattheyhadacceptedtheinvitation。
　　Whenthebeansweresteaminginthepot，theAngeladvisedthecooktosoakthemovernightthenexttime，sothattheywouldcookmorequicklyandnotburst。Shewassuretheircookathomedidthatway，andtheCHEFofthegangthoughtitwouldbeagoodidea。
　　ThenextFrecklessawofhershewasparingpotatoes。Alittlelatershearrangedthetable。
　　Shesweptitwithabroom，insteadoflayingacloth；tookthehatchetandhammeredthedeepestdentsfromthetinplates，andnearlyskinnedherfingersscouringthetinwarewithrushes。
　　Shesettheplatesanevendistanceapart，andlaidtheforksandspoonsbesidethem。Whenthecookthrewawayhalfadozenfruit-cans，shegatheredthemupandmeltedoffthetops，althoughshealmostblisteredherfaceandquiteblisteredherfingersdoingit。
　　ThensheneatlycoveredtheseimprovisedvaseswiththeManilapaperfromthegroceries，tyingitwithwispsofmarshgrass。Theseshefilledwithfringedgentians，blazing-star，asters，goldenrod，andferns，placingthemthelengthofthedining-table。Inoneoftheendcansshearrangedherredleaves，andintheotherthefancygrass。Twomen，watchingher，wentawayproudofthemselvesandsaidthatshewas"abornlady。"Shelaughinglycaughtupapaperbagandfitteditjauntilytoherheadinimitationofacook'scap。Thenshegroundthecoffee，andbeatacoupleofeggstoputin，"becausethereiscompany，"shegravelyexplainedtothecook。Sheaskedthatdelightedindividualifhedidnotlikeitbestthatway，andhesaidhedidnotknow，becauseheneverhadachancetotasteit。TheAngelsaidthatwashercaseexactly——sheneverhad，either；shewasnotallowedanythingstrongerthanmilk。
　　Thentheylaughedtogether。
　　Shetoldthecookaboutcampingwithherfather，andexplainedthathemadehiscoffeethatway。Whenthesteambegantorisefromthebigboiler，shestuffedthespouttightlywithcleanmarshgrass，tokeepthearomain，placedtheboilerwhereitwouldonlysimmer，andexplainedwhy。TheinfluenceoftheAngel'svisitlingeredwiththecookthroughtheremainderofhislife，whilethemenprayedforherfrequentreturn。
　　Shewashavingahappytime，whenMcLeancamebackjubilant，fromhistriptothetree。HowjubilanthetoldonlytheAngel，forhehadbeenobligedtolosefaithinsometrustedmenoflate，andhadlearneddiscretionbywhathesuffered。Heplannedtobeginclearingoutaroadtothetreethatsameafternoon，andtosettwoguardseverynight，foritpromisedtobeararetreasure，sohewaseagertoseeitonthewaytothemills。
　　"Iamcomingtoseeitfelled，"criedtheAngel。"Ifeelasortofmotherlyinterestinthattree。"
　　McLeanwashighlyamused。HewouldhavestakedhislifeonthehonestyofeithertheAngelorFreckles；yettheirversionsofthefindingofthetreedifferedwidely。
　　"Tellme，Angel，"theBosssaidjestingly。"IthinkIhavearighttoknow。Whoreallydidlocatethattree？"
　　"Freckles，"sheansweredpromptlyandemphatically。
　　"Buthesaysquiteaspositivelythatitwasyou。Idon'tunderstand。"
　　TheAngel'slegallookflashedintoherface。Hereyesgrewtensewithearnestness。Sheglancedaround，andseeingnotowelorbasin，heldoutherhandforSearstopourwateroverthem。Then，usingtheskirtofherdresstodrythem，sheclimbedonthewagon。
　　"I'lltellyou，wordforword，howithappened，"shesaid，"andthenyoushalldecide，andFrecklesandIwillagreewithyou。"
　　Whenshehadfinishedherversion，"Tellus，`oh，mostlearnedjudge！'"shelaughinglyquoted，"whichofuslocatedthattree？"
　　"BlestifIknowwholocatedit！"exclaimedMcLean。"ButIhaveafairlyaccurateideaastowhoputtheblueribbononit。"
　　TheBosssmiledsignificantlyatFreckles，whojusthadcome，fortheyhadplannedthattheywouldinstructthecompanytoreserveenoughoftheveneerfromthatverytreetomakethemostbeautifuldressingtabletheycoulddesignfortheAngel'sshareofthediscovery。
　　"Whatwillyouhaveforyours？"McLeanhadaskedofFreckles。
　　"Ifit'sallthesametoyou，I'llbetakingmineoutinmusiclessons——
　　beggingyourpardon——voiceculture，"saidFreckleswithagrimace。
　　McLeanlaughed，forFrecklesneededtoseeorhearonlyoncetoabsorblearningasthethirstyearthsucksupwater。
　　TheAngelplacedMcLeanattheheadofthetable。Shetookthefoot，withFrecklesonherright，whilethelumbergang，washed，brushed，andstraighteneduntiltheyfeltunfamiliarwiththemselvesandeachother，filledthesides。Thatimposedaslightconstraint。Then，too，themenwereafraidoftheflowers，thepolishedtableware，andaboveall，ofthedaintygraceoftheAngel。
　　Nowheredomensodisplaylackofgoodbreedingandcultureasindining。Tosprawlonthetable，scoopwiththeirknives，chewloudly，gulpcoffee，andducktheirheadsassnapping-turtlesforeverybite，hadnotbeennoticedbythemuntiltheAngel，sittingstraightly，suddenlymadethemrememberthatthey，too，werepossessedofspines。Instinctivelyeverymanatthetablestraightened。
　　CHAPTERXVII
　　WhereinFrecklesOffersHisLifeforHisLoveandGetsaBrokenBodyToreachthetreewasamoredifficulttaskthanMcLeanhadsupposed。
　　Thegangcouldapproachnearestontheoutsidetowardtheeast，butaftertheyreachedtheendoftheeastentrancetherewasyetamileofmostimpenetrablethicket，treesbigandlittle，andbushesofeveryvarietyandstageofgrowth。Inmanyplacesthemuckhadtobefilledtogivethehorsesandwagonsasolidfoundationoverwhichtohaulheavyloads。Itwasseveraldaysbeforetheycompletedaroadtothenoble，bigtreeandwerereadytofellit。
　　Whenthesawingbegan，FreckleswaswatchingdowntheroadwhereitmetthetrailleadingfromLittleChicken'stree。Hehadgonetothetreeaheadofthegangtoremovetheblueribbon。Carefullyfolded，itnowlayoverhisheart。Hewaspromisinghimselfmuchcomfortwiththatribbon，whenhewouldleaveforthecitynextmonthtobeginhisstudiesanddreamthesummeroveragain。
　　Itwouldhelptomakethingstangible。Whenhewasdressedasothermen，andathiswork，heknewwherehemeanttohomethatpreciousbitofblue。Itshouldbehisgood-lucktoken，andhewouldwearitalwaystokeepbrightinmemorythedayonwhichtheAngelhadcalledhimherknight。
　　Howhewouldstudy，andoh，howhewouldsing！IfonlyhecouldfulfillMcLean'sexpectations，andmaketheAngelproudofhim！
　　Ifonlyhecouldbearealknight！
　　HecouldnotunderstandwhytheAngelhadfailedtocome。Shehadwantedtoseetheirtreefelled。Shewouldbetoolateifshedidnotarrivesoon。Hehadtoldheritwouldbereadythatmorning，andshehadsaidshesurelywouldbethere。Why，ofallmornings，wasshelateonthis？
　　McLeanhadriddentotown。Ifhehadbeenthere，Freckleswouldhaveaskedthattheydelaythefelling，buthescarcelylikedtoaskthegang。Hereallyhadnoauthority，althoughhethoughtthemenwouldwait；butsomewayhefoundsuchembarrassmentinframingtherequestthathewaiteduntiltheworkwaspracticallyended。
　　Thesawwasout，andthemenwerecuttingintothefellingsideofthetreewhentheBossrodein。
　　HisfirstwordwastoinquirefortheAngel。WhenFrecklessaidshehadnotyetcome，theBossatoncegaveorderstostopworkonthetreeuntilshearrived；forhefeltthatshevirtuallyhadlocatedit，andifshedesiredtoseeitfelled，sheshould。Asthemensteppedback，astiffmorningbreezecaughtthetop，thattoweredhighaboveitsfellows。Therewasanominousgrindingatthebase，ashiverofthemightytrunk，thendirectlyinlineofitsfallthebushesswungapartandthelaughingfaceoftheAngellookedonthem。
　　Agroanofhorrorburstfromthedrythroatsofthemen，andreadingtheagonyintheirfaces，shestoppedshort，glancedup，andunderstood。
　　"South！"shoutedMcLean。"Runsouth！"
　　TheAngelwashelpless。Itwasapparentthatshedidnotknowwhichwaysouthwas。Therewasanotherslowshiverofthebigtree。
　　Theremainderofthegangstoodmotionless，butFrecklessprangpastthetrunkandwentleapinginbigbounds。HecaughtuptheAngelanddashedthroughthethicketforsafety。Theswayingtrunkwashalfoverwhen，foraninstant，anear-bytreestayeditsfall。
　　TheysawFreckles'footcatch，andwiththeAngelheplungedheadlong。
　　Aterriblecrybrokefromthemen，whileMcLeancoveredhisface。
　　InstantlyFreckleswasup，withtheAngelinhisarms，strugglingon。
　　TheouterlimbswereonthemwhentheysawFreckleshurltheAngel，facedown，inthemuck，asfarfromhimashecouldsendher。
　　Springingafter，inanattempttocoverherbodywithhisown，hewhirledtoseeiftheywereyetindanger，andwithoutstretchedarmsbracedhimselffortheshock。Thebranchesshutthemfromsight，andtheawfulcrashrockedtheearth。
　　McLeanandDuncanranwithaxesandsaws。Theremainderofthegangfollowed，andtheyworkeddesperately。ItseemedalongtimebeforetheycaughtaglimpseoftheAngel'sbluedress，butitrenewedtheirvigor。Duncanfellonhiskneesbesideherandtorethemuckfromunderneathherwithhishands。Inafewsecondshedraggedherout，chokingandstunned，butsurelynotfatallyhurt。
　　Freckleslayalittlefartherunderthetree，abiglimbpinninghimdown。Hiseyeswerewideopen。Hewasperfectlyconscious。
　　Duncanbeganminingbeneathhim，butFrecklesstoppedhim。
　　"Youcan'tbemovingme，"hesaid。"Youmustcutoffthelimbandliftit。Iknow。"
　　Twomenranforthebigsaw。Anumberofthemlaidholdofthelimbandboreup。Inashorttimeitwasremoved，andFreckleslayfree。
　　Themenbentovertolifthim，buthemotionedthemaway。
　　"Don'tbetouchingmeuntilIrestabit，"hepleaded。
　　ThenhetwistedhisheaduntilhesawtheAngel，whowaswipingmuckfromhereyesandfaceontheskirtofherdress。
　　"Trytogetup，"hebegged。
　　McLeanlaidholdoftheAngelandhelpedhertoherfeet。
　　"Doyouthinkanybonesarebroken？"gaspedFreckles。
　　TheAngelshookherheadandwipedmuck。
　　"Youseeifyoucanfindany，sir，"Frecklescommanded。
　　TheAngelyieldedherselftoMcLean'stouch，andheassuredFrecklesthatshewasnotseriouslyinjured。
　　Frecklessettledback，asmileofineffabletendernessonhisface。
　　"ThanktheLord！"hehoarselywhispered。
　　TheAngelleanedtowardhim。
　　"Now，Freckles，you！"shecried。"It'syourturn。Pleasegetup！"
　　ApitifulspasmsweptFreckles'face。ThesightofitwashedeveryvestigeofcolorfromtheAngel's。Shetookholdofhishands。
　　"Freckles，getup！"Itwashalfcommand，halfentreaty。
　　"Easy，Angel，easy！Letmerestabitfirst！"imploredFreckles。
　　Shekneltbesidehim。Hereachedhisarmaroundheranddrewherclosely。HelookedatMcLeaninanagonyofentreatythatbroughttheBosstohiskneesontheotherside。
　　"Oh，Freckles！"McLeancried。"Notthat！Surelywecandosomething！
　　Wemust！Letmesee！"
　　HetriedtounfastenFreckles'neckband，buthisfingersshooksoclumsilythattheAngelpushedthemawayandherselflaidFreckles'
　　chestbare。Withonehastyglanceshegatheredtheclothingtogetherandslippedherarmunderhishead。Frecklesliftedhiseyesofagonytohers。
　　"Yousee？"hesaid。
　　TheAngelnoddeddumbly。
　　FrecklesturnedtoMcLean。
　　"Thankyouforeverything，"hepanted。"Wherearetheboys？"
　　"Theyareallhere，"saidtheBoss，"exceptacouplewhohavegonefordoctors，Mrs。DuncanandtheBirdWoman。"
　　"It'snousetryingtodoanything，"saidFreckles。"Youwon'tforgetthemuffandtheChristmasbox。Themuffespecial？"
　　TherewasamovementabovethemsopronouncedthatitattractedFreckles'attention，eveninthatextremehour。Helookedup，andapleasedsmileflickeredonhisdrawnface。
　　"Why，ifitain'tmeLittleChicken！"hecriedhoarsely。"Hemustbemakinghisveryfirsttripfromthelog。NowDuncancanhavehisbigwatering-trough。"
　　"ItwasLittleChickenthatmademelate，"falteredtheAngel。
　　"IwassoanxioustogethereearlyIforgottobringhisbreakfastfromthecarriage。Hemusthavebeenhungry，forwhenIpassedtheloghestartedafterme。Hewassowabbly，andsoslowflyingfromtreetotreeandthroughthebushes，Ijusthadtowaitonhim，forIcouldn'tdrivehimback。"
　　"Ofcourseyoucouldn't！Mebirdhastooamazinggoodsinsetogobackwhenhecouldbefollowingyou，"exultedFreckles，exactlyasifhedidnotrealizewhatthedelayhadcosthim。Thenhelaysilentlythinking，butpresentlyheaskedslowly:"Andso`twasmeLittleChickenthatwasmakingyoulate，Angel？"
　　"Yes，"saidtheAngel。
　　AspasmoffiercepainshookFreckles，andalookofuncertaintycrossedhisface。
　　"AllsummerI'vebeenthankingGodforthefallingofthefeatherandallthedelightsit'sbroughtme，"hemuttered，"butthislooksasif——"
　　HestoppedshortandraisedquestioningeyestoMcLean。
　　"Ican'thelpbeingIrish，butIcanhelpbeingsuperstitious，"
　　hesaid。"Imustn'tbelayingittotheAlmighty，ortomebird，mustI？"
　　"No，dearlad，"saidMcLean，strokingthebrillianthair。
　　"Thechoicelaywithyou。Youcouldhavestoodarooteddoltlikealltheremainderofus。Itwasthroughyourgreatloveandyourhighcouragethatyoumadethesacrifice。"
　　"Don'tyoubesonamingit，sir！"criedFreckles。"It'sjustthereverse。IfIcouldbegivingmebodythehundredtimesovertosavehersfromthis，I'dbedoingitandtakejoywitheverypain。"
　　HeturnedwithasmileofadoringtendernesstotheAngel。Shewasghastlywhite，andhereyesweredullandglazed。Shescarcelyseemedtohearorunderstandwhatwascoming，butshebravelytriedtoanswerthatsmile。
　　"Ismyforeheadcoveredwithdirt？"heasked。
　　Sheshookherhead。
　　"Youdidonce，"hegasped。
　　Instantlyshelaidherlipsonhisforehead，thenoneachcheek，andtheninalongkissonhislips。
　　McLeanbentoverhim。
　　"Freckles，"hesaidbrokenly，"youwillneverknowhowIloveyou。
　　Youwon'tgowithoutsayinggood-byetome？"
　　ThatwordstungtheAngeltoquickcomprehension。Shestartedasifarousingfromsleep。
　　"Good-bye？"shecriedsharply，hereyeswideningandthecolorrushingintoherwhiteface。"Good-bye！Why，whatdoyoumean？
　　Who'ssayinggood-bye？WherecouldFrecklesgo，whenheishurtlikethis，savetothehospital？Youneedn'tsaygood-byeforthat。
　　Ofcourse，wewillallgowithhim！Youcallupthemen。Wemuststartrightaway。"
　　"It'snouse，Angel，"saidFreckles。"I'mthinkingivryboneinmebreastissmashed。You'llhavetobelettingmego！"
　　"Iwillnot，"saidtheAngelflatly。"It'snousewastingprecioustimetalkingaboutit。Youarealive。Youarebreathing；andnomatterhowbadlyyourbonesarebroken，whataregreatsurgeonsforbuttofixyouupandmakeyouwellagain？Youpromisemethatyou'lljustgrityourteethandhangonwhenwehurtyou，forwemuststartwithyouasquicklyasitcanbedone。Idon'tknowwhathasbeenthematterwithme。Here'sgoodtimewastedalready。"
　　"Oh，Angel！"moanedFreckles，"Ican't！Youdon'tknowhowbaditis。
　　I'lldietheminuteyouarefortryingtoliftme！"
　　"Ofcourseyouwill，ifyoumakeupyourmindtodoit，"saidtheAngel。"Butifyouaredeterminedyouwon't，andsetyourselftobreathingdeepandstrong，andhangontometight，Icangetyouout。
　　Reallyyoumust，Freckles，nomatterhowithurts，foryoudidthisforme，andnowImustsaveyou，soyoumightaswellpromise。"
　　Shebentoverhim，tryingtosmileencouragementwithherfear-stiffenedlips。
　　"Youwillpromise，Freckles？"
　　BigdropsofcoldsweatrantogetheronFreckles'temples。
　　"Angel，darlin'Angel，"hepleaded，takingherhandinhis。
　　"Youain'tunderstanding，andIcan'tforthelifeofmebetellingyou，butindade，it'sbesttobelettingmego。
　　Thisismychance。Pleasesaygood-bye，andletmeslipoffquick！"
　　HeappealedtoMcLean。
　　"DearBoss，youknow！Youbetellingherthat，forme，livingisfarworsepainthandying。Tellheryouknowdeathisthebestthingthatcouldeverbehappeningtome！"
　　"MercifulHeaven！"burstintheAngel。"Ican'tendurethisdelay！"
　　ShecaughtFreckles'handtoherbreast，andbendingoverhim，lookeddeeplyintohisstrickeneyes。
　　"`Angel，IgiveyoumywordofhonorthatIwillkeeprightonbreathing。'That'swhatyouaregoingtopromiseme，"shesaid。
　　"Doyousayit？"
　　Freckleshesitated。
　　"Freckles！"imploringlycommandedtheAngel，"YOUDOSAYIT！"
　　"Yis，"gaspedFreckles。
　　TheAngelsprangtoherfeet。
　　"Thenthat'sallright，"shesaid，withatingeofherold-
　　timebriskness。"Youjustkeepbreathingawaylikeasteamengine，andIwilldoalltheremainder。"
　　Theeagermengatheredaroundher。
　　"It'sgoingtobeatoughpulltogetFrecklesout，"shesaid，"butit'souronlychance，solistencloselyanddon'tforthelivesofyoufailmeindoingquicklywhatItellyou。There'snotimetospendfallingdownovereachother；wemusthavesomesystem。
　　Youfourtheregetonthosewagonhorsesandridetothesleeping-tent。
　　Getthestoutestcot，acoupleofcomforts，andapillow。Ridebackwiththemsomewaytosavetime。Ifyoumeetanyothermenofthegang，sendthemheretohelpcarrythecot。Wewon'triskthejoltofdrivingwithhim。Theothersclearapathouttotheroad；andMr。McLean，youtakeNellieandridetotown。TellmyfatherhowFrecklesishurtandthatheriskedittosaveme。TellhimI'mgoingtotakeFrecklestoChicagoonthenoontrain，andIwanthimtoholditifwearealittlelate。Ifhecan't，thenhaveaspecialreadyatthestationandanotheronthePittsburghatFortWayne，sowecangostraightthrough。Youneedn'tmindleavingus。
　　TheBirdWomanwillbeheresoon。Wewillrestawhile。"
　　ShedroppedintothemuckbesideFrecklesandbeganstrokinghishairandhand。Helaywithhisfaceofagonyturnedtohers，andfoughttosmotherthegroansthatwouldtellherwhathewassuffering。
　　Whentheystoodreadytolifthim，theAngelbentoverhiminapassionoftenderness。
　　"DearoldLimberlostguard，we'regoingtoliftyounow，"shesaid。
　　"Isuspectyouwillfaintfromthepainofit，butwewillbeaseasyaseverwecan，anddon'tyoudareforgetyourpromise！"
　　Awhimsicalhalf-smiletouchedFreckles'quiveringlips。
　　"Angel，canamanberememberingapromisewhenheain'tknowing？"
　　heasked。
　　"Youcan，"saidtheAngelstoutly，"becauseapromisemeanssomuchmoretoyouthanitdoestomostmen。"
　　AlookofstrengthflashedintoFreckles'faceatherwords。
　　"Iamready，"hesaid。