 Chapter 8 of Freckles This is the LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Elsie Selwyn Freckles by Jean Stratton Porter Chapter 8 Wherein Freckles meets a man of affairs and loses nothing by the encounter. Well, I'd be drawn done," exclaimed Mrs. Duncan. Freckles stood before her, holding the angel's hat. I've been thinking this long time that you, Duncan, would see that sun-bonnets were nabron now for a woman of my standing, and you're a good laddie to bring me this beautiful hat. She turned it around, examining the weave of the straw and the foliage trimmings, passing her rough fingers over the satin ties delightedly. As she held it up, admiring it, Freckles' astonished eyes saw a new side of Sarah Duncan. She was jesting but under the jest the fact looms strong that, though poor, overworked in with none but God, Goodman, and Refinement, there was something in her soul crying after that bit of feminine finery, and it made his heart ache for her. He resolved that when he reached the city he would send her a hat if it took fifty dollars to do it. She lingeringly handed it back to him. It encode good a ye to think of me, she said lightly, but I'm on question your taste of we. Did ye not think her best return this and get a woman with half her hair gray a little player headdress? Seems like fair or gay for me. I know saying this know exactly what I'd like, hey, but I'm on to make myself ridiculous. Ye'd be best give this to someone young and pretty, say about sixteen. Where did ye come by it, Freckles? If there's anything been dropping lately, ye have forgotten to mention it. Do ye see anything heavenly about that hat, queried Freckles holding it up? The morning breeze waved the ribbons gracefully, binding one around Freckles' sleeve and the other across his chest, where they caught and clung as if magnetized. Yes, said Sir Duncan, it's very plain and simple, but it just make ye feel that it's all the fun stuff. It's exactly what I call a heavenly hat. Sure, said Freckles, for it's belonging to an angel. Then he told her about the hat and asked her what he should do with it. Take it to her, of course, said Sir Duncan, like it's the only an he she has and she may need it badly. Freckles smiled. He had a clear idea about the hat being the only one the angel had. However, there was a thing he felt he should do and wanted to do, but he was not sure. You think I might be taken at home, he said. Of course she must, said Mrs. Duncan, and without another hour's delay. It's been two days now and she may want it and be too busy or afraid to come. But how can I take it, asked Freckles. Getting spinning on your wheel, you can do it easy in an hour. But in that hour, what if nonsense interrupted Sir Duncan. You have watched that Timberline until you have grown fast to it lad. Giving your boots and club and I'll gay walk the south end and watch doing the east and west sides until you come back. Mrs. Duncan, you never would be doing it, cried Freckles. Why not? inquired she. But you know you're mortal afraid of snakes and a lot of other things in the swamp. I am afraid of snakes, said Mrs. Duncan. But likely they've gone into the swamp this hot weather. I'll just stay on the trail watching you. You might hurry the least bit. The day is so bright it feels like storm. I can put the barns on the wood pile to play until I get back. You again, I want to take the little blessed angel her beautiful hat. Are you sure it will be all right, urged Freckles? Do you think if Mr. McLean came he would care? Nah, said Mrs. Duncan. I didn't, if you and me agree that a thing ought to be done and I watch in your place, why it's bad to be all right with McLean. Let me pin the hat in a paper and you jump on your wheel and get flying. Are you to put on your Sabbath clothes? Freckles shook his head. He knew what he should do, but there was no use in taking time to try and explain it to Mrs. Duncan while he was so hurried. He exchanged his wading boots for shoes and gave her his club and went spinning toward town. He knew very well where the angel lived. He had seen her home many times and he passed it again without even raising his eyes from the street, staring straight for her father's place of business. Carrying the hat, Freckles passed a long line of clerks and at the door of the private office asked to see the proprietor. When he had waited a moment, tall, spare, keen-eyed man faced him and in burst nervous tones asked, How can I serve you, sir? Freckles handed him the package and asked, By delivering to your daughter this hat, which he was after leaving at me place the other day when she was away in a hurry, and by saying to her and bird-woman that I am more thankful than I'll be having words to express for the brave things there was doing for me, I'm a clean-limber lost guard, sir. Why don't you take it yourself? questioned the man of affairs. Freckles' clear gray eyes met those of the angel's father squarely and he said, If you were in my place, would you take it to her yourself? No, I would not, said the gentleman quickly. Then why ask why I did not? came Freckles' lamb-like query. Bless me, said the angel's father. He stared at the package, then at the lifted chin of the boy and then at the package again and muttered, Excuse me, Freckles bowed. It would be favoring me greatly if you would deliver the hat and message. Good morning, sir, and he turned away. One minute, said the angel's father. Suppose I gave you permission to return this hat in person and make your own acknowledgments. Freckles stood one moment thinking intently and then he lifted those eyes of unswerving truth and asked, Why, such you sure, you're kind and dade to mention it and it's thanking you I am for your good intentions, But I'm wanting to go or you being willing to have me ain't proving that your daughter would be wanting me or care to bother with me. The angel's father looked keenly into the face of this extraordinary young man, for he found it to his liking. There's one other thing I meant to say, said Freckles. Every day I see something and at times a lot of things that I think the bird woman would be wanting pictures of badly if she knew. You might be speaking of it to her and if she'd want me to, I can send her word when I find things she wouldn't likely get elsewhere. If that's the case, said the angel's father, and you feel under obligations for her assistance the other day, you can discharge them in that way. She is spending all her time in the fields and woods searching for subjects. If you run across things perhaps rarer than she may find about your work, it would save her the time she spends searching for subjects, and she could work in security under your protection. By all means, let her know if you find subjects you think she could use, and we will do anything we can for you if you will give her what help you can and see that she is as safe as possible. It's hungry for human beings, I am, said Freckles, and it's like heaven to me to have them come. Of course I'll be telling her, sending her word every time me work can spare me, although I can do what would make me uncommon happy, but, again, truth had to be told because it was Freckles who was speaking. When it comes to protecting them, I'd risk my life to be sure, but even that might not do any good in some cases. There are many dangers to be reckoned with in the swamps, or that call for every person to look sharp. If there wasn't really thieves into guard against why McLean wouldn't be needing to pay out good money for a guard, I'd love them to be coming and I'll do all I can, but you must be told that there's danger of them running into timber thieves again any day, sir. Yes, said the angel's father, and I suppose there's danger of the earth opening up and swallowing the town any day, but I'm damned if I quit business for fear of will, and the bird woman won't either. Everyone knows her and her work, and there's no danger in the world of anyone in any way molesting her, even if he were stealing a few of McLean's gold-plated trees. She's as safe and a limberlost as she is at home, so far as timber thieves are concerned. All I am ever uneasy about are the snakes, poisoned vines, and insects, and those are risks she must run anywhere. You need not hesitate a minute about that. I shall be glad to tell them what you wish. Thank you very much, and good day, sir. There was no way in which Freckles could know it, but by following his best instincts and being what he conceived a gentleman should be, he surprised the man of affairs into thinking of him and seeing his face over his books many times that morning, whereas if he had gone to the angels he had longed to do, her father never would have given him a second thought. On the street he drew a deep breath. How had he acquitted himself? He only knew that he had lived up to his best impulse, and that is all anyone can do. He glanced over his wheel to see that it was all right, and just as he stepped to the curb to mount, he heard a voice that thrilled him through and through. Freckles! Oh, Freckles! The angel separated from a group of laughing, sweet-faced girls and came running to him. She was in snowy white, a quaint little frock, with a marvel of soft lace around her throat and wrists. Through the sheer sleeves of it her beautiful rounded arms showed distinctly, and it was cut just to the base of her perfect neck. On her head was a pure white creation of fancy braid, with folds on folds of tulle, soft and silken as cobwebs lining the brim, while a mass of white roses clustered against the gold of her hair crept around the crown and fell in a riot to her shoulders at the back. There were gleams of gold with settings of blue on her fingers, and altogether she was the daintiest sweetest sight he had ever seen. Freckles, standing on the curb, forgot himself in his cotton shirt, corduroy's in his belt, to which his wire cutter and pliers were hanging, and gazed as a man gazes when first he sees the woman he adores, with all her charms enhanced by appropriate and beautiful clothing. Oh, Freckles! she cried as she came to him. I was wondering about you the other day. Do you know I never saw you in town before? You watched that old line so closely. Why did you come? Is there any trouble? Are you just starting to the limberlost? I came to bring your hat, said Freckles. You forgot it in the rush the other day. I have left it with your father in a message trying to express the gratitude of me for how you and the bird woman were for helping me out. The angel nodded gravely. Then Freckles saw that he had done the proper thing in going to her father. His heart bounded until it jarred his body, for she was saying that she scarcely could wait for the time to come for the next picture of the little chicken series. I want to hear the remainder of that song, and I haven't even begun seeing your room yet, she complained. As for singing, if you can sing like that every day, I never can get enough of it. I wonder if I could bring my banjo on some of the songs I like best. I'll play a new song and we'll put the birds out of commission. Freckles stood on the curb with drooped eyes, for he felt that if he lifted them the tumult of tender adoration in them would show and frighten her. I'm afraid your experience the other day would scare you so you'd never be coming again. He found himself saying, the angel laughed gaily. Did I seem scared? She questioned. No, said Freckles, you did not. Oh, I just enjoyed that, she cried. There was hateful, stealing old things. I had no notion to pick one of them, but I thought maybe some way it would be best for you that I shouldn't. They needed it. That didn't scare me, and as for the bird woman, she's accustomed to finding snakes, tramps, cross-dogs, sheep, cattle, and goodness knows what. You can't frighten her when she's after a picture. Did they come back? No, said Freckles. The gang got there a little afternoon and took out the tree, and I must tell you, and you must tell the bird woman, that there's no doubt that they will be coming back, and they will have to make it before long now, for it's soon the gang will be there to work on the swamp. Oh, what a shame. Credit angel, they'll clear out roads, cut down the beautiful trees, and tear up everything. They'll drive away the birds and spoil the cathedral. When they have done their worst, then all these mills close here will follow in and take out the cheap timber. Then the landowners will dig a few ditches, build some fires, and then two sembers. More of the limber logs will be in corn and potatoes. They looked at each other and groaned despairingly in unison. You like it, too, said Freckles. Yes, said the angel. I love it. Your room is a little piece right out of the heart of Fairland, and the cathedral is God's work, not yours. You only found it and opened the door after he had it completed. The birds, flowers, and vines are also lovely. The bird woman says it's really a fact that the mallows, foxfire, iras, and lilies are larger and of richer colouring there than in the remainder of the country. She says it's because of the rich loam and muck. I hate seeing the swamp torn up, and to you it would be like losing your best friend, wouldn't it? Something like, said Freckles, still I have the limber lost in my heart, so that all of it will be real to me while I live, no matter what they do to it. I'm glad Plast telling you if you will be coming a few more times, at least until the gang arrives. Past that time I don't allow myself to be thinking. Come, have a cool drink before you start back, said the angel. I couldn't possibly, said Freckles. I left Mrs. Duncan's on the trail and she's terribly afraid of a lot of things. If she even sees the big snake, I don't know what she'll do. Then we'll take about a minute and you can ride fast enough to make up for it. Please, I want to think of something fine for you to make up a little for what you did for me that first day. Freckles looked in sheer wonderment into the beautiful face of the angel. Did she truly mean it? Did she walk down that street with him, crippled homely in mean clothing with the tools of his occupation on him, and share with him the treat she was offering? He could not believe it, even though the angel, still injustice to the kinder of her pure sweet face, he would not think that she would make the offer and not mean it. She really did mean just what she said, but when it came to carrying out her offer and he saw the stares of her friends, the sneers of her enemies, if such as she could have enemies, and heard the whispered jeers of the curious, then she would see her mistakes and be sorry. It would only be a manly thing for him to think this out and save her from the results of her own blessed bigness of heart. I really must be off, said Freckles earnestly. But I'm thanking you more than you have known for your kindness. I'll just be drinking bowls of icy things on my way home and the thoughts of it. Down came Angel's foot, her eyes slashed indignantly. There's no sense in that, she said. How do you think you would have felt when you knew I was warm and thirsty and you went and brought me a drink and I wouldn't take it because, because couldn't have served. Why? You can ride faster to make up for the time. I just thought out what I want to fix for you. She stepped to his side and deliberately slipped her hand under his arm. That right arm that ended in an empty sleeve. You are coming, she said firmly. I won't have it. Freckles could not have told how he felt, neither could anyone else. His blood rioted in his head swam, but he kept his wits. He bent over her. Place down Angel, he said softly. You don't understand. How Freckles came to understand was a problem. It's this, he persisted. If your father met me on the street in my station and dressed with you on my arm, he'd have any right to be cain in me before the people and not a finger would I live to stay him. The Angel's eyes snapped. If you think my father cares about my doing anything that is right in kind and that makes me happy to do, why then you completely failed in reading my father and I'll ask him and just show you. She dropped Freckles' arm and turned toward the entrance to the building. Why, look there! She exclaimed. Her father stood in a big window fronting the street, a bundle of papers in his hand, interestingly watching the little scene, with eyes that comprehended quite as thoroughly as if he had heard every word. The Angel caught his glance and made a despairing little gesture toward Freckles. The man of affairs answered her with a look of infinite tenderness. He nodded his head and waved the papers in the direction she had indicated and the various adult could have read the words his lips formed. Take him along! A sudden trembling seized Freckles. Outside of the Angel's father, he had stepped back as far from her as he could. Guiding his wheel, he walked down the street beside her. On every hand, she was kept busy giving and receiving the cheeriest greetings. She walked into the parlours exactly as if she owned them. A clerk came hurrying to meet her. There's a table vacant beside a window where it is cool, I'll save it for you. And he started back. Please not! said the Angel. I've taken this man unawares when he's in a rush. I'm afraid if we sit down we'll take too much time and afterward he will blame me. She walked to the fountain and a long row of people stared with all the varying degrees of insolence and curiosity that Freckles had felt they would. He glanced at the Angel. Now would she see? On my soul! he muttered under his breath. They don't even touch her! She laid down her sunshade and gloves. She walked to the end of the counter and turned the full battery of her eyes on the attendant. Please! she said. The white apron individual stepped back and gave delighted assent. The Angel stepped beside him and, selecting a tall, flaring glass of almost paper thinness, she stooped and rolled it in a tray of cracked ice. I want to mix a drink for my friend. She said, he has a long hot ride before him and I don't want him darted off with one of those old, palette-teasing sweetnesses that he mixed just on purpose to drive a man back in ten minutes. There was an appreciative laugh in the line at the counter. I want a clear, cool, sparkling drink that has a tang of acid in it. Where's the cherry phosphate? That, not at all sweet would be good, don't you think? The attendant did think. He pointed out the different taps and the Angel compounded the drink, while Freckles, standing so erect he almost leaned backward, glanced at her and paid no attention to anyone else. When she had the glass burning, she tilted a little of its contents into a second glass and tasted it. That's entirely too sweet for a thirsty man, she said. She poured out half the mixture and, refilling the glass, tasted it a second time. She submitted that result to the attendant. Isn't that about the thing, she asked? He replied enthusiastically. I get my wages raised ten to month if I could learn that trick. The Angel carried the brimming, frosty glass to Freckles. He removed his hat and, lifting the icy liquid even with her eyes, and looking straight into them, he said in the mellowest of all the mellow tones of his voice, I'll be drinking it to the swamp, Angel. As he had said to her that first day, she now cautioned him, be drinking slowly. When the screen doors swung behind them, one of the men at the counter asked the attendant, Now what did that mean? Exactly what he saw, replied he rather curtly, more accustomed to it here. Hardly a day passes this hot weather, but she's picking up some poor, godforsaken mortal and bringing him in. Then she comes behind a counter herself and fixes up a drink to suit the occasion. She's all sorts of fancies about what's what for all kinds of times and conditions, and you bet she can just hit the spot. And a cleric here can put up a drink to touch her. She's sort of a knack at it. Every once in a while when the boss sees her, he calls her out to mix him a drink. And does she? As a man with an interested grin? Well, I guess, but first she goes back and sees how long it is since he's had a drink. What he drank last, how warm he is, when he ate last, then she comes here and mixes a glass of fish with a little touch of acid and a bit of cherry lemon, grape, pineapple or something sour and cooling. And it hits the spot just as no spot was ever hit before. I honestly believe that the interest she takes in it is half the trick, for I watch her closely and I can't come within gunshot of her concoctions. She has a running bill here. Her father settles once a month. She gives nine-tenths of it away, hardly ever touches it herself, but when she does, she makes me mix it. She's just old persimmons. Even the scrub boy of this establishment would fight for her. And last the year round, for in winter, it's some poor frozen cuss that she's warming up a hot coffee or chocolate. Mighty queer specimen she had this time volunteered another. Irish handoff, straight as a ramrod and something worthwhile in his face. Notice that hat peel off in the eyes of him? There's a case of fight for her. Wonder who he is? I think, said the third, that he is McLean's limber-loss guard and I suspect she's gone to the swamp with the bird woman for pictures and knows in that way. I've heard that he is a master ham of the birds and that would just suit the bird woman to a tee. On the street the angel walked beside Freckles to the first crossing and then she stopped. Now will you promise to ride fast enough to make up for the five minutes that took? She asked, I am a little uneasy about Mrs. Duncan. Freckles turned his wheel into the street. Seeing to him he had poured the delicious icy liquid into every vein in his body instead of his stomach and even went to his brain. Did you insist on fixing that drink because you knew how intoxicated you would be? He asked. There's a subtlety in the compliment and it delighted the angel. She laughed gleefully. Next time maybe you won't take so much coaxing, she teased. I want this if I had known your father and understand you better. Do you really think the bird woman will become him again? The angel jeered. Wild horses couldn't draw her away, she cried. She will have hard work to wait the week out. I shouldn't be in the least surprised to see her start any hour. Freckles could not endure the suspense that had to come. And you? He cautioned but he did not lift his eyes. Wild horses me too, she laughed. Couldn't keep me away either. I dearly love to come. And the next time I am going to bring my banjo and I'll play and you sing for me some of the songs I like best. Won't you? Yes. Said Freckles because he was all he was capable of saying just then. It's beginning to act stormy, she said. If you hurry up you will just about make it. Now good-bye. End of Chapter 8. Chapter 9 of Freckles. This is the LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Elsie Selwyn. Freckles by Jean Stratton Porter. Chapter 9. Wherein the Limberlost falls upon Mrs. Duncan and Freckles comes to the rescue. Freckles was halfway to the Limberlost when he dismounted. He could ride no farther because he could not see the road. He sat under a tree and leaning against it, sobbed, shook, twisted and rent him. If they would remind him of his positions be condescendingly or notice his hand he could endure it but this? It surely would kill him. His hot pulsing iris blood was stirred deeply. What did they mean? Why did they do it? Were they like that to everyone? Was it pity? It could not be for he knew that the bird woman and the angel's father must know that he was not really McLean's son and it did not matter to them in the least. In spite of accident and poverty they evidently expected him to do something worthwhile in the world. That must be his remedy. He must work on his education. He must get away. He must find and do the great thing of which the angel talked. For the first time his thoughts turned anxiously toward the city in the beginning of his studies. McLean and the Duncan spoke of him as the boy but he was a man. He must face life bravely and act a man's part. The angel was a mere child. He must not allow her to torture him past endurance with her frank comradeship that meant to him high heaven, earth's richness and all that lay between. And nothing to her. There was an ominous growl of thunder and a maze at himself freckles snatched up his wheel and raced toward the swamp. He was worried to find his boots lying at the cabin door. A man playing on the woodpile told him that Mither said they were so heavy she couldn't walk in them and she had come back and taken them off. Thoroughly frightened he stopped only long enough to slip them on and then sped with all his strength for the limberlost. To the west the long black hard beaten trail lay clear but far up the east side straight across the path he could see what was certainly a limp brown figure. Freckles spun with all his might. Faced down Sarah Duncan lay across the trail. When freckles turned her over his blood chilled at the look of horror settled on her face. There was a low humming and something spouted against him glancing around freckles shivered in terror for there was a swarm of wild bees settled on a scrubthorne only a few yards away. The air was filled with excited, unsettled bees making ready to lead farther in search of a suitable location. Then he thought he understood and with a prayer of thankfulness in his heart that she had escaped even so narrowly he caught her up and hurried down the trail until they were well out of danger. Later in the shade and carrying water from the swamp and the crown of his hat he bathed her hands in faith but she lay in unbroken stoneness without a sign of life. She had found freckles boots so large and heavy that she had gone back and taken them off although she was mortally afraid to approach the swamp without them. The thought of it made her nervous and the fact that she had never been there alone added to her fears. She had not followed the trail many rods when her trouble began. She was not freckles so not a bird of the line was going to be fooled into thinking she was. They began jumping from their nests and darting from unexpected places around her head and feet with clicked words that kept her starting and dodging before freckles was halfway to the town poor Mrs. Duncan was hysterical and the limberlost had neither sung nor performed for her but there was trouble brewing it was quiet and intensely hot without stifling stillness that preceded the summer storm and feathers and fur were tense and nervous the birds were singing only a few broken snatches and flying around seeking places of shelter one moment everything seemed devoid of life the next there was an unexpected where buzz and sharp cry inside a pandemonium of growling spouting snarling and grunting broke loose this way all bent flat before the heavy gusts of wind and the big black chicken swept lower and lower above the swamp patches of clouds gathered shutting out the sun and making it very dark and the next moment were swept away the sun poured with fierce burning brightness and everything was quiet I was at the first growl of thunder that freckles really had noticed the weather and his own troubles aside resolutely raced for the swamp Sarah Duncan paused on the line well I won't stay in this place for a million a month she said aloud and the sound of her voice brought no comfort for it was so little that she had thought it that she glanced hastily around to see if it had really been she that spoke she tremblingly wiped the perspiration from her face with the skirt of her sun bonnet awful hot she panted huskily well there's gonna be a big storm I do hope freckles will hurry her chin was quivering as a terrified child she lifted her bonnet to replace it and brushed against a bush behind her were almost into her face when a nighthawk stretched along a limb for its daytime nap Mrs. Duncan cried out and sprang down the trail alighting on a frog that was hopping across the horrible croak it gave as she crushed it sickened her she screamed wildly and jumped to one side that carried her into the swall where the grasses reached almost to her waist and her horror of snakes returning made a flying leap for an old log lying beside the line she alighted squarely but it was so damp and rotten that she sank straight through it to her knees she caught up the wire as she went down and raked her wrist across a barb until she tore a bleeding gash her fingers closed convulsively around the second strand she was too frightened to scream now her tongue stiffened she clung frantically to the sagging wire and finally managed to grasp it with the other hand then she could reach the top wire and so she drew herself up and found solid footing she picked up the club that she had dropped and started to extricate herself leaning heavily on it she managed to return to the trail but she was trembling so that she scarcely could walk going a few steps farther she came to the stump of the first tree that had been taken out she sat bolt upright and very still trying to collect her thoughts and reason away her terror a squirrel above her dropped a nut and as it came rattling down bouncing from branch to branch every nerve in her tugged wildly when the disgusted squirrel barked loudly she sprang to the trail and her ears were more abrupt while the thunder came closer and louder at every peel and swarms the blackbirds the rose from the swam came flocking to the interior with a clamoring cry to check to check grackles marshaled to the tribal call trolley trolley red winged to blackbirds swept low calling to belated mates follow me follow me big jetty crows gathered close to her crying as if warning her to flee before it was ever seemingly too late a hare and fishing the nearby pool for freckles find out frog fell into trouble with a muskrat and uttered a raspy note that sent Mrs. Duncan a rod down the line without realizing that she had moved she was too shaken to run far she stopped and looked around her fearfully several bees struck her and were angrily buzzing before she noticed them then the humming swelled on all sides a convulsive sob shook her and she ran into the bushes now into the swale anywhere to avoid the swarming bees dodging fighting for her very life presently the humming seemed to become a little fainter she found the trail again and ran with all her might from a few of her angry pursuers as she ran straining every muscle she suddenly became aware that crossing the trail before her was a big round black body with brown markings on its back like painted geometrical patterns she tried to stop but the louder buzzing behind her warned her she dared not gathering her skirts higher with her hair flying around her face almost bursting from their sockets she ran straight toward it the sound of her feet and the humming of the bees alarmed the rattler so it stopped across the trail lifting its head above the grasses of the swale and rattling inquiringly rattled until the bees were outdone straight toward it went the panic-stricken woman running wildly and uncontrollably she took one leap clearing its body on the path then flew ahead with winged feet the snake coiled to strike Mrs. Duncan and landed among the bees instead settled over and around it and realizing that it had found trouble it sank among the grasses and went threshing towards its den and the deep willow-fringed low ground the swale appeared as if a reaper were cutting a wide swath the massive enraged bees darted angrily around searching for it and striking the scrub-thorn began a temporary settling there to discover whether it was a suitable place completely exhausted Mrs. Duncan staggered on a few steps farther fell facing the path where freckles found her and lay quietly freckles worked over her until she drew a long quivering breath and opened her eyes when she saw him bending above her she closed them tightly and gripping him struggled to her feet he helped her and with his arm around and half-carrying her they made their way to the clearing she clung to him with all her remaining strength but opened her eyes she would not until her children came clustering around her then brawny big scott's woman that she was she quietly keeled over again the children added their wailing to freckles panic at the time he was so close to the cabin that he could carry her into the house and lay her on the bed he sent the oldest boy scutting down the corduroy for the nearest neighbor and between them they undressed Mrs. Duncan and discovered that she was not bitten they bathed and bound the bleeding wrist and coaxed her back to consciousness she lay sobbing and shattering the first intelligent word she said was freckles look at that jar on the kitchen table and see if my yeast is no running over several days passed before she could give Duncan and freckles any detailed account of what had happened to her even then she could not do it without crying as the least of her babies freckles was almost heartbroken and nursed her as well as any woman could have done while Big Duncan with a heart full for them both worked early and late to chink every crack of the cabin and examine every spot that possibly could harbor a snake the effects of her mourning on the trail kept her shivering half the time she could not rest until she sent for McLean and begged him to save freckles from further risk and that place of horrors the boss went to the swamp with his mind fully determined to do so freckles stood and laughed at him well I missed him McLean don't you let a woman's nervous system set you worrying about me he said I'm not denying how she thought cause I've been through it myself but that's all over and gone it's a hard of me glory to fight it out with the old swamp and all that's in it or will become to it and then it turned it over to you as I promised you and myself a dooser it won't be over three or four weeks yet and when I've gone in almost a year why what's that to me sir you mustn't let a woman get mixed up with business for I've always heard about how it's bringin' trouble McLean smiled what about the last tree he said freckles blushed and grinned appreciatively angels and bird women don't count in the common run sir he affirmed shamelessly McLean sat and the saddle and laughed End of Chapter 9 Chapter 10 of freckles this is a Librebox recording all Librebox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit Librebox.org Recording by Elsie Selwyn Freckles by Jean Stratton Porter Chapter 10 wherein freckles strives mightily and the swamp angel rewards him the bird woman and the angel did not seem to count in the common run for they arrived on time for the third of the series and found McLean on the line talking to freckles the boss was filled up with enthusiasm over a marsh article of the bird woman that he just had read he begged to be allowed to accompany her into the swamp and watch the method by which she secured an illustration in such a location the bird woman explained to him that it was an easy matter with the subject she then had in hand and as a little chicken was too small to be frightened by him and big enough to be growing troublesome she was glad for his company she went to the chicken log together leaving to the happy freckles the care of the angel who had brought her banjo and a roll of songs that she wanted to hear him sing the bird woman told them that they might practice in freckles room until she finished with a little chicken and then she and McLean would come to the concert it was almost three hours before they finished and came down the west trail for their rest and lunch McLean walked ahead keeping sharp watch on the trail and clearing it of fallen limbs from overhanging trees a piece of bark flying into the swale and then stopped short and stared at the trail the bird woman bent forward together they studied the imprint of the angel's foot at last their eyes met the bird woman's filled with astonishment and McLean's humid with pity neither said a word but they knew McLean entered the swale and hunted up the bark he replaced it and the bird woman carefully stepped over as they reached the bushes at the entrance the voice of the angel stopped them for it was commanding and filled with much impatience freckles james ross mclean she was saying you fill me with dark blue despair you're singing as if your voice were glass and might break at any minute why don't you sing as you did a week ago answer me that please freckles smiled confusedly at the angel who sat on one of his fancy seats playing his accompaniment on her banjo you are a fraud she said here you went last week and led me to think that there was a making of a great singer in you and now you're singing how badly you were singing yes said freckles meekly I think I'm too happy to be singing well today the music don't come right only when I'm loathsome and sad the world's for being all sunshine at prison for among you and Mr. McLean and the bird woman I'm after being that happy but I can't keep my thoughts on the notes it's more than sorry I am to be disappointing you play it over and I'll be beginning again this time I'll hold hard well it seems to me that if I had all the things to be proud of that you have I'd lift up my head and sing and what is it I have to be proud of ma'am politely inquired freckles why a whole world full of things cry the angel explosively for one thing you can be good and proud over the way you kept the timber thieves out of this lease and trust your father has in you you can be proud that you never even once disappointed him or failed on what he believed you could do you can be proud over the way everyone speaks of you with trust and honor and about how brave of heart and strong of body you are I heard a big man say a few days ago that the limber loss was full of disagreeable things positive dangers unhealthful as it could be and that since the memory of the first settlers it has been a rendezvous for runaways, thieves and murderers this swamp is named for a man that was lost here and wandered around till he starved that man I was talking with said he won't take your job for a thousand dollars a month in fact he said he won't have it for any money and you've never missed a day or lost a tree proud why I should think you should just parade about it proper over that and you can always be proud that you're born an Irishman my father is Irish and if you want to see him get up and strut give him a teeny opening to enlarge on his race he says that if the Irish had decent territory they'd lead the world he says they've always been handicapped by lack of space and a fertile soil he says if Ireland had been as big and fertile as Indiana why England could never have had the upper hand she'd only been an appendage fancy England an appendage he says Ireland has the finest orders and the keenest statesmen in Europe today and when England wants to fight with whom does she fill her trenches Irishman of course Ireland has the greenest grass and trees the finest stones and lakes and they've jauntying cars I don't know just exactly what they are but Ireland has all there are anyway they have a lot of great actors a sweeter poet than one of theirs you should hear my father recite dear harp of my country he does it this way the angel arose making an elaborate old time bow and honing up the banjo reciting and clipping feet and meter with rhythmic swing and a touch of brooch that was simply irresistible dear harp of my country the angel ardently clasped the banjo in darkness I found me she held it to the light the cold chain of silence had hung over the bed long she muted the strings with her rosy palm then proudly my own Irish harp I am bound thee she threw up her head and swept a ringing harmony and gave all thy chords to light freedom and song she crashed into the notes of the accompaniment she had been playing for freckles that's what you've been thinking of she cried not darkness and lonesomeness and sadness but light freedom and song I can't begin to think offhand of all the big splendid things an Irishman has to be proud of but whatever they are they are all yours and you are a part of them I just despise that saddest when I sing business you can sing now you go over there and do it Ireland has had her statesmen warriors actors and poets now you be her voice you stand right over there before the cathedral door and I'm going to come down the aisle playing that accompaniment and when I stop in front of you you sing the angel's face were an unusual flush her eyes were flashing and she was palpitating with earnestness she parted the bushes and disappeared freckles straight and tense stood waiting presently when he saw she was there she was coming down the aisle toward him playing compellingly and rifts of light were touching her with golden glory freckles stood as if transfixed the cathedral was majestically beautiful from arched dome of frescoed gold green and blue and never-ending shades and harmonies to the mosaic aisle she tried richly in laden choices colors and gigantic pillars but were God's handiwork fashioned and perfected through ages of sunshine and rain but the fair young face in divinely molded form of the angel was his most perfect work of all never had she appeared so surpassingly beautiful she was smiling encouragingly now and as she came toward him she struck the cords full and strong the heart of poor freckles almost burst with dull pain and his great love for her and his desire to fulfill her expectations he forgot everything else and when she reached his knee he literally burst forth three little leaves of irish green united on one stem love truth and valor do they mean they form a magic gem the angel's eyes widened curiously and her lips parted a deep color swept into her cheeks she had intended to arouse him she had more than succeeded she was too young to know that in an effort to arouse a man women frequently kindle fires that they can neither quench nor control freckles was looking over her head now that song as if it had never been sung before for her alone and instead of her helping him as she had intended he was carrying her with him on the waves of his voice away away into another world when he struck into the course wide-eyed and panting she was swaying toward him and playing with all her might oh do you love oh say you love you love the shamrock green at the last note freckles voice ceased and he looked at the angel he had given his best in his all he fell on his knees and folded his arms across his breast as if magnetized walked straight down the aisle to him and running her fingers into the crisp masses of his red hair tilted his head back and laid her lips on his forehead then she stepped back and faced him good boy she said in a voice that wavered from the throbbing of her shaken heart dear boy I knew you could do it I knew it was in you freckles when you go into the world if you can face a big audience and sing like that just once you will be immortal and anything you want will be yours anything gas freckles anything said the angel freckles rose muttered something and catching up his old bucket plunged into the swamp blindly on a pretense of bringing water the angel walked slowly across the study sat on the rustic bench and through narrowed lids intently studied the tip of her shoe on the trail the bird woman wheeled to McLean with a dumb founded look god muttered he alias the bird woman spoke do you think the angel knew she did that she asked softly no said McLean I do not but the poor boy knew it haven't helped him the bird woman stared across the gently waving swail I don't see how I'm going to blame her she said at last it's so exactly what I would have done myself say the remainder demanded McLean Horsley do him justice he was born a gentleman conceded the bird woman he took no advantage he never even offered to touch her whatever that meant to him he recognized that it was the loving impulse of a child under stress and strong emotion he was as fine and manly as any man ever could have been McLean left his head thank you he said simply and parted the bushes for her to enter Freckles room there was her first visit before she left she sent for her cameras and made studies of each side of it and of the cathedral she was entranced with the delicate beauty of the place while her eyes kept following Freckles as if she could not believe his conception and work that was a happy day the bird woman had bought a lunch and they spread it with Freckles dinner on the study floor and sat resting and enjoying themselves but the angel put her banjo into its case silently gathered her music and no one mentioned the concert the bird woman left McLean and the angel to clear away the lunch and with Freckles examined the walls of his room and told him all she knew about his shrubs and flowers she analyzed a cardinal flower and showed him what he had wanted to know all summer and tried to be as buzzed ineffectually around it while the hummingbirds found it an ever-ready feast some of the specimens were so rare that she was unfamiliar with them and with the flower book between them they now study the different varieties she wandered the length of the cathedral aisle with him and it was at her suggestion that he lighted his altar with a row of flaming foxfire this Freckles came to the cabin from his long day at the swamp he saw Mrs. Chicken sweeping to the south and wondered where she was going he stepped into the bright cozy little kitchen and as he reached down the wash basin he asked Mrs. Duncan a question Mother Duncan, do kisses wash off? so warm a wave swept her heart that a half-flush mantled her face she straightened her shoulders and glanced at her hands tenderly Lord, not Freckles she cried, at least the age you get from people you love didn't they didn't stay on the outside they strike in until they find the center of your heart and make their stop in place there and Nathan can take them from you out of even death nah lad, you can be REACHER the kisses didn't wash off Freckles let the basin down and muttered as he plunged his hot tired face into the water I needn't be afraid to wash and then for that won't struck in End of Chapter 10 Chapter 11 of Freckles This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Freckles by Jean Stratton Porter Chapter 11 Wherein the butterflies go on a spree and Freckles informs the bird woman I wish said Freckles at breakfast one morning that I had some way to be sending message to the bird woman I've something at the swamp that I'm believing never happened before and surely she'll be wanting it What now Freckles asked Mrs. Duncan We, the oddest thing you've ever heard of said Freckles the whole insect tribe gone on a spree I'm supposing it's my doings but it all happened by accident like you see on the swale side of the line right against my trail there's one of these scrub wild crab trees where the grass grows thick around it is the finest place you ever conceived of for snakes having women about has set me trying to clean out those fellows a bit and yesterday I noticed that tree in passing it struck me that it would be a good idea to be taking it out first I thought I'd take me hatch it and cut it down for it ain't thicker than me upper arm then I remembered how it was blooming in the spring and filling all the air with sweetness the coloring of the blossoms is beautiful and I hated to be killing it I just cut the grass short all around it then I started at the ground trimmed up the trunk near the height of me shoulder and left the top spreading that made it look so truly ornamental that I don't like this off the rough place is neat and this morning on me soul it's a sight you see cutting off the limbs and trimming up the trunk sucks the sap running in this hot sun it ferments in a few hours there isn't much room for more things to crowd on that tree than there are and I get drunker isn't now with ease possible well I'd be drawn down exclaimed Mrs. Duncan what kind of things do you mean freckles why just an army of black ants some of them are sucking away like old toppers some of them are setting up on their tails and hind legs fiddling with their forefeet wiping their eyes some are rolling around the ground contented there are quantities of big blue bottle flies over the bark and hanging on the grasses around chewed drunk to steer of course flying so they just buzz away like flying and all the time sitting still the snake feeders are too full to feed anything even more sap to themselves there's a lot of hard backed bugs beetles I guess colored like the brown blue and black of a peacock's tail they hang on until their legs of them are so weak they can stick a minute longer and then they break away and fall to the ground they just lay there on their backs fably crying air when it wears off a bit up they get and go crawling back for more and they so full they bump into each other and roll over sometimes they can't climb the tree until they wait to sober up a little there's a lot of big black and gold bumblebees doing for an entire stumbling over the bark and rolling on the ground they just lay there on their backs rocking from side to side singing to the songs like fat happy babies while these keep us steady buzzing with the beating of their wings the butterflies are the worst old toppers of them all they're just a circus you never saw the like of the beauties they come every color you could be naming in every shape you could be thinking up they drink and drink and tell if I'm driving them away they stagger as they fly and turn somersaults in the air if I leave them alone they cling to the grasses shivering happy lake and I'm blessed mother Duncan if the best of them could be unlocking the front door with a lead pencil even I never heard of anything surprising said mrs. Duncan it's a rare sight to watch them a new woman ever made a picture of a thing like that before I'm for thinking said freckles earnestly nah, said mrs. Duncan you can be pretty sure that are dinde the bird woman must word in some way if you walk the line and I walk to town and tell her if you think you can wait until after supper I'm not sure you can gain yourself for Duncan is coming home and he'd be glad to watch for you if he does not come and Anna presses that I can send word with today I really will gain early in the morning and tell her myself freckles took his lunch and went to the swamp he walked and watched eagerly he could find no trace of anything yet he filled the tense nervousness as if trouble might be rooting he examined every section of the wire and kept watchful eyes on the grasses of the swale in an effort to discover if anyone had passed through them but he could discover no trace of anything to justify his fears he tells that his hat brim to shade his face and looked for his chickens they were hanging almost beyond sight in the sky Ghee he said if I only had your sharp eyes in convenient location now I wouldn't need to be troubling so he reached his room and cautiously scan the entrance before he stepped in then he pushed the bushes apart with his right arm and entered with his left hand on the butt of his favorite revolver instantly he knew that someone had been there he stepped to the center of the room closely scanning each wall on the floor he'd find no trace of a clue to confirm his belief he's so intimate was he with the spirit of the place that he knew how he knew he could not have told yet he did know that someone had entered his room sat on his benches and walked over his floor he was surest around the case nothing was disturbed it seemed a freckles that he could see where prying fingers had tried to lock he stepped behind the case carefully examining the ground all around it and close beside the tree to which it was nailed he found a deep fresh footprint in the spongy soil a long narrow print it was never made by the foot of Wessner his heart huggled in his breast as he mentally measured the print but he did not linger for now the feeling arose that he was being watched it seemed to him that he could feel the eyes of some intruder at his back he knew he could examine anything too closely if anyone were broaching he didn't want to know that he felt it he took the most open way and carried water for his flowers and moss as usual but he did put himself into a position in which he was fully exposed and his hand was close to his revolver instantly growing restive at last under the strain he plunged boldly into the swamp and searched minutely all around his room but he could not discover the last thing to give him further cause for the alarm he locked his case took out his wheel and for the remainder of the day he rode and watched as he never had before several times he thought of sending for McLean but for his life he could not make up his mind to do it without nothing more tangible than one footprint to justify him he waited until he was sure Duncan would be at home if he were coming for the night before he went to supper the first thing he saw as he crossed the soil was the big bays in the yard there had been no one passing that day and Duncan readily agreed to watch until Freckles rode to town he told Duncan of the footprint and urged him to guard closely Duncan said he might rest easy and filling his pipe and taking a good revolver the big man went to the limperlost Freckles made himself clean and neat and raced to town but it was night and stars were shining before he reached the home of the bird woman from afar he could see that the house was ablaze with lights the lawn and veranda were strung with fancy lanterns and a light with people he thought his errand important so to turn back never occurred to Freckles this was all the time or opportunity he would have he must see the bird woman and he must see her at once he leaned his wheel inside the fence and walked up the broad front entrance when he needed the steps he saw that the place was swarming with young people and the angel with an excuse to a group that surrounded her came hearing to him oh Freckles she cried delightedly so you could come we were so afraid you could not I'm as glad as I can be I don't understand said Freckles were you expecting me and exclaimed the angel haven't you come to my party didn't you get my invitation I sent you one by mail asked Freckles yes said the angel I did help with the preparations and I couldn't find time to drive out but I wrote you a letter and told you that the bird woman was giving a party for me and we wanted you to come surely that's likely where is that present said Freckles Duncan comes to town only once a week and at times not that he's home tonight for the rest first in the week he's watching an hour for me until I come to the bird woman with a bit of work I thought she'd be caring to hear about bad is she where I can see her the angels face clouded what is this appointment she cried I did so want all my friends to know you can't you stay anyway Freckles glanced from his waiting boots to the patent letters of some of the angels friends and smiled whimsically but there was no danger of his ivory misjudging her again you know I cannot angel he said I'm afraid I do she said ruthfully it's too bad but there is a thing I want more than to come to my party and that is to hang on and win with your work I think of you every day and I just pray that those thieves are not getting ahead of you oh Freckles do watch closely she was so lovely a picture as she stood before him ardent in his cause that Freckles could not take his eyes from her to notice what her friends were thinking if she did not mind why should he anyway if they really were angels friends probably they were better accustomed to her ways than he her face and baird neck and arms were like the wild rose bloom her soft frock white tool lifted and stirred around her with the gentle evening air the beautiful golden hair that crept around her temples and ears as if it loved to cling there was caught back and bound with broad blue satin ribbon there was a sash of blue at her waist and knots of it catching up her draperies must I go after the bird woman she pleaded endage you must answered Freckles firmly the angel went away but returning to say that the bird woman was telling a story to those inside and she could not come for a short time you won't come in she pleaded I must not said Freckles I'm not dressed to be among your friends and I might be forgetting myself and stay too long then said the angel we mustn't go through the house because it would disturb the story but I want you to come the outside way to the controversy and have some of my birthday lunch and some cake to take to mrs. Duncan Freckles thought it would be more than fun and followed delightedly the angel gave him a big glass brimming with some icy sparkling liquid that struck his palette as it never had been touched before because a combination of frosty fruit juices had not been a frequent beverage with him the night was warm the angel most beautifully in kind a triple delirium in the dark mind and body seized upon him and developed a boldness all unnatural he slightly parted the heavy curtains that separated the convict story from the company and looked between he almost stopped breathing he had read of things like that but he never had seen them the open space seemed to stretch through half a dozen rooms all ablaze with lights and filled with elegantly dressed people there were glimpses of polished floors sparkling glass and fine furnishings from somewhere the voice of the beloved bird woman arose and fell the angel crowded beside him and was watching also doesn't look pretty she whispered do you suppose heaven is any finer than that? asked Freckles began to laugh do you want to be laughing harder than that? queried Freckles Laugh is always good, said the angel a little more voodoo please, won't hurt me go ahead well then said Freckles, it's only that I feel all over as if I belong there I could refined clothes move over those floors and hold me on against the best of them where does my laugh come in? demanded the angel as if she had been defrauded and you ask me where the laugh comes in, looking me in the face after that, marveled Freckles I wouldn't be so foolish as to laugh at such a manifest truth as that, said the angel anyone who knows, you even have as well know as I do, knows that you are never guilty of a discourtesy you move with twice of the grace of any man here why shouldn't you feel as if you belong to where people are graceful and courteous unmesole, said Freckles you are kind to be thinking it you are doubly kind to be saying it the curtains parted and a woman came toward them through skills and laces trailed across the polished floors the lights gleamed on her neck and arms that flashed from weird jewels she was smiling brightly and until she spoke Freckles had not realized fully that it was this beloved bird woman noticing his bewilderment she cried why Freckles, don't you know me in my war clothes I do, in the uniform in which you fight the lumber lost said Freckles the bird woman laughed but she scarcely could believe him she could not exactly when she would go but she would make it out as soon as possible for she was most anxious for the study while they talked the Angel was busy packing a box of sandwiches, cake, fruit and flowers she gave him a last frosty glass thanked him repeatedly for bringing news of new material then Freckles went into the night he rode toward the lumber lost with his eyes on the stars presently he removed his hat hung it to his belt and ruffled his hair to the sweep of the night wind he filled the air all the way with snatches of oratories gospel hymns and dialect and koon songs in a startingly varied program the one thing Freckles knew that he could do was to sing Freckles heard him coming a mile up the curdery and could not believe their senses Freckles unfastened the box from his belt and gave Mrs. Duncan and the children all the eatables that contained except one piece of cake that he carried to his sweet loving Duncan he put the flowers back in the box and said it among his books he did not say anything but he understood it was not to be touched Freckles flowers said a tiny Scotsman but he added cheerfully it's our sweeties Freckles face slowly flushed as he took Duncan's cake and started toward the swamp while Duncan ate Freckles told him something about the evening as well as he could find words to express himself and the big man was so amazed he kept forgetting the treat in his hands then Freckles mounted his wheel and began a spin that terminated when the biggest Plymouth rock in Duncan's coop saluted a new day and long lines of light reddened the east as he rode he sang while he sang he worshipped but the god he tried to glorify was a dim and far away mystery the angel was warm flesh and blood every time he passed the little bark covered imprint on the trail he dismounted removed his hat suddenly knelt and laid his lips on the impression because he kept no count himself only laughing faced old man of the moon knew how often it happened and is from the beginning to the follies of earth that gentleman has ever been kind with the approach of Don Freckles tuned his last note wearied almost a falling he turned from the trail into the path leading to the cabin for a few hours rest end of chapter 11 read by Elijah Fisher chapter 12 of Freckles this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by James Wood JamesWoodNerator.com Freckles by Gene Stratton Porter chapter 12 where in black Jack captures Freckles and the angel captures Jack as Freckles left the trail from the swale close the south entrance four large muscular men arose and swiftly and carefully entered the swamp by the wagon road two of them carried a big saw the third coils of rope and wire and all of them were heavily armed they left one man on guard at the entrance the other three made their way through the darkness as best they could and were soon at Freckles' room he had left the swamp on his wheel from the west trail they counted on his returning on the wheel and circling the east line before he came there a little below the west entrance to Freckles' room black Jack stepped into the swale and binding a wire tightly around a scrub oak carried it below the waving grasses stretched it taught across the trail and fastened it to a tree in the swamp then he obliterated all signs of his work and arranged the grass over the wire until it was so completely covered that only minute examination would reveal it they entered Freckles' room with coarse oaths and jests in a few moments his specimen case with its precious contents was rolled into the swamp while the saw was eating into one of the trees of the Limberlost the first report from the man on watch was that Duncan had driven to the south camp the second that Freckles was coming the man watching was sent to see on which side the boy turned into the path as they had expected he took the east he was a little tired and his head was rather stupid for he had not been able to sleep as he had hoped but he was very happy while his eyes ached he could see no sign of anyone having entered the swamp he called a cherry-greasing to all his chickens at Sleepy Snake Creek he almost fell from his wheel with surprise the sawbird was surrounded by four lanky youngsters clamouring for breakfast the father was strutting with all the importance of a drum major no use to expect the bird woman today said Freckles but now wouldn't she be jumping out as soon as Freckles was far down the east line the watch was posted below the room on the west to report his coming it was only a few moments before the signal came then the saw stopped and the rope was brought out and uncoiled close to a sapling Wessner and Blackjack crowded to the very edge of the swamp a little above the wire and crouched waiting they heard Freckles before they saw him he came gliding down the line swiftly and as he rode he was singing softly oh do you love oh say you love he got no farther the sharply driven wheel struck the tense wire and bounded back Freckles shot over the handlebar and coasted down the trail on his chest as he struck Blackjack and Wessner were upon him Wessner caught off an old felt hat and clapt it over Freckles' mouth while Blackjack twisted the boy's arms behind him and they rushed him into his room almost before he realized that anything had happened he was trust to a tree and securely gagged then three of the men resumed work on the tree the other followed the path Freckles had worn to Little Chicken's house and presently he reported that the wires were down and two teams with the loading apparatus coming to take out the timber all the time the saw was slowly eating eating into the big tree Wessner went to the trail and removed the wire he picked up Freckles' wheel that did not seem to be injured and leaned it against the bushes so that if anyone did pass on the trail he would not see it doubled in the swamp grass then he came and stood in front of Freckles and laughed in devilish hate to his own amazement Freckles found himself looking fear in the face and marveled that he was not afraid four to one the tree halfway eaten through the wagons coming up the inside road he bounding gagged the men with Blackjack and Wessner had belonged to McLean's gang when last he had heard of them but who those coming with the wagons might be he could not guess if they secured that tree McLean lost its value lost his wager and lost his faith in him the words of the angel hammered in his ears oh Freckles do watch closely the saw worked steadily when the tree was down and loaded what would they do pull out and leave him there to report them it was not to be hoped for the place always had been lawless it could mean but one thing a mist swept before his eyes while his head swam was it only last night that he had worshipped the angel in a delirium of happiness and now what Wessner released from a turn at the saw walked to the flower bed and tearing up a handful of rare ferns by the roots started toward Freckles his intention was obvious Blackjack stopped him with an oath you see here duchy he bawled maybe you think you'll wash his face with that but you won't a contract's a contract we agree to take out these trees and leave them for you to dispose of whatever way you please provided you shut him up eternally on the steel but I'll not see a tied man tormented by a fellow that he can lick up the ground with loose and that's flat it raises my gorge to think what he'll get when we're done but you needn't think you're free to begin before don't you lay a hand on him while I'm here what do you say boys I say yes growled one of McLean's latest deserters what's more we're a pack of fools to risk the dirty work of silencing him you had him face down and you on his back why the hell you didn't cover his head and roll him into the bushes until we were gone when I went into this I didn't understand that he was to see all of us and that there was motor on the ticket I'm not up to it I don't mind lifting trees we came for but I'm cursed if I want blood on my hands well you ain't going to get it fellow Jack you fellows only contracted to help me get out my marks trees he belonged to Wessner and it ain't in our deal what happens to him yes and if Wessner finishes him safely we are practically in for murder as well as stealing the trees and if you don't all hell's to pay I think you've made a damnable bungle of this thing that's what I think then keep your thoughts to yourself cried Jack we're doing this and it's all planned safe and sure as for killing that buck come to think of it killing is what he needs he's way too good for this world of woe anyhow I tell you it's all safe enough his dropping out won't be the only secret the old limba lost is never told it's too dead easy to make it look like he helped take the timber and then cut why he's played right into our hands he was here at the swamp all last night and back again in an hour or so when we get our plan worked out even old fool Duncan won't lift a finger to look for his carcass we couldn't have him going in better shape you just bet said Wessner I owe him all he'll get and be damned to you but I'll pay he snarled at freckles so it was killing then they were not only after this one tree but many and with his body it was their plan to kill his honor to brand him a thief with them before the angel the bird woman the dear boss and the Duncan's freckles in sick despair sagged against the ropes then he gathered his forces and thought swiftly there was no hope of McLean's coming they had chosen a day when they knew he had a big contract at the south camp the boss could not come before tomorrow by any possibility and there would be no tomorrow for the boy Duncan was on his way to the south camp and the bird woman had said she would come as soon as she could after the fatigue of the party it was useless to expect her and the angel today and God saved them for coming the angel's father had said they would be as safe in the limb lost as at home what would he think of this the sweat broke on freckles' forehead he tugged at the ropes whenever he felt that he dead but they were passed around the tree at times and knotted on his chest he was helpless there was no hope no help and after they had conspired to make him appear a runaway thief to his loved ones what was it that Wessner would do to him whatever it was freckles lifted his head and resolved that he would bear in mind what he had once heard the bird woman say he would go out bonnily never would he let them see if he grew afraid after all what did it matter what they did to his body if by some scheme of the devil they could encompass his disgrace then hope suddenly rose high and freckles' breast they could not do that the angel would not believe neither would McLean he would keep up his courage kill him they could dishonor him they could not yet all the fortitude he might that saw eating into the tree rasped his nerves worse and worse with whirling brain he gazed into the limberlost searching for something he knew not what and in blank horror found his eyes focusing on the angel she was quite a distance away but he could see her white lips and angry expression last week he had taken her and the bird woman across the swamp over the path he followed to the chicken tree he had told them the night before that the butterfly tree was on the line close to this path in figuring on their not coming that day he failed to reckon with the enthusiasm of the bird woman they must be there for the study and the angel had risked crossing the swamp in search of him or was there something in his room they needed the blood surged in his ears as the roar of the limberlost of a storm he looked again and it had been a dream she was not there had she been for his life freckles could not tell whether he really had seen the angel or whether his strange senses had played him the most cruel trick of all or was it not the kindest now he could go with the vision of her lovely face fresh with him thank you for that oh god freckles it was more than kind of you and I don't suppose I ought to be wanting anything else but if you can oh I wish I could know before this ends if twas me mother freckles could not even whisper the words for he hesitated a second and ended if twas me mother did it freckles freckles oh freckles the voice of the angel came calling freckles swayed forward and wrenched at the rope until it cut deeply into his body hell cried blackjack who is that do you know freckles nodded jack whipped out a revolver and snatched the gag from freckles' mouth say quick where it's up with you right now and whoever that is with you it's the girl the bird woman takes with her whispered freckles through dry swollen lips they ain't due here for five days yet said wesner we got onto that last week yes said freckles but I found a tree covered with butterflies and things along the east line yesterday that I thought the bird woman would want extra and I went to town to tell her last night she said she'd come soon but she didn't say when they must be here I take care of the girl when the bird woman works untie me quick until she has gone untie me quick until she has gone I'll try to send her back and then you can go on with your dirty work he ain't lying volunteered wesner I saw that tree covered with butterflies and him watching around it when we were spying on him yesterday no he leaves lying to your sort snapped blackjack as he undid the rope and pitched it across the room remember that you're covered every move you make my buck he cautioned freckles came the angel's impatient voice closer and closer I must be answering said freckles and jack nodded right here he called and to the main you go on with your work and remember one thing yourselves the work of the bird woman is known all over the world this girl's father is a rich man and she is all he has if you offer hurt of any kind to either of them this world has no place far enough away or dark enough for you to be hiding in hell will be easy to what any man will get if he touches either of them freckles where are you demanded the angel soul sick with fear for her freckles went toward her and parted the bushes that she might enter she came through without apparently giving a glance and the first words she said were why have the gang come so soon I didn't know you expected them for three weeks yet or is this some special tree that mr mclean needs to fill in order right now freckles hesitated would a man dare lie to save himself no but to save the angel surely that was different she opened his lips but the angel was capable of saving herself she walked among them exactly as if she had been reared in a lumber camp and never waited for an answer why your specimen case she cried look haven't you noticed that it's tipped over set it straight quickly a couple of the men stepped out and carefully righted the case there that's better she said freckles I'm surprised that you're being so careless it would be a shame to break those lovely butterflies for one old tree is that a valuable tree why didn't you tell us last night you were going to take out a tree this morning oh say did you put your case there to protect that tree from that stealing old blackjack and his gang I bet you did well if that wasn't bright what kind of a tree is it it's a weight oak said freckles so is there make dining tables and sideboards from yes my how interesting she cried I don't know a thing about timber but my father wants me to learn just everything I can I'm going to ask him to let me come here and watch you until I know enough to boss a gang myself do you like to cut trees gentlemen she asked with angelic sweetness of the men some of them appeared foolish some of them but one managed to say they did then the angels eyes turned full on blackjack and she gave the most natural little start of astonishment oh I almost thought that you were a ghost she cried but I see now that you are really and truly were you ever in colorado no said jack I see you aren't the same man said the angel we were in colorado last year and there was a cowboy who was the handsomest man anywhere around he'd come riding into town every night and all we girls just adored him but he was a beauty I thought at first glance you were really he but I see now he wasn't nearly so tall nor so broad as you and only half as handsome the men began to laugh while jack flushed crimson the angel joined in the laugh well I'll leave it to you isn't he handsome she challenged as for that cowboys face it couldn't be compared with yours the only trouble with you is that your clothes are spoiling you hence the dress those cowboys wear that makes half their attraction if you were properly clothed you could break the heart of the prettiest girl in the country with one accord the other men but blackjack and for the first time realized that he was a superb specimen of manhood for he stood six feet tall was broad well rounded and had dark even skin big black eyes and full red lips I'll tell you what exclaimed the angel I just love to see you on horseback nothing sets a handsome man off so splendidly do you ride yes Jack and his eyes were burning on the angel as if he would fathom the deaths of her soul well said the angel when similarly I know what I just wish you do I wish you would let your hair grow a little longer then wear a blue flannel shirt a little open at the throat a red tie and a broad brimmed felt hat and ride past my house of evenings I'm always at home then and almost always on the veranda and oh what I would like to see you will you do that for me it is impossible to describe the art with which the angel asked the question she was looking straight into Jack's face course and hardened with sin and careless living which was now taking on a wholly different expression the evil lines of it were softening and fading under her clear gaze a red flamed into his bronze cheeks while his eyes were growing brightly tender yes he said and the glance he gave the men was of such a nature that no one saw fit even to change countenance oh goodie she cried tilting on her shoes I'll ask all the girls to come see but they needn't stick in we can get along without them can't we Jack leaned toward her he was the charmed fluttering bird while the angel was the snake well I rather guess he cried the angel drew a deep breath and surveyed him rapturously my but you're tall she commented do you suppose I ever will grow to reach your shoulders she stood on tiptoe and measured the distance with her eyes then she developed timid confusion while her glance sought the ground I wish I could do something she half whispered Jack seemed to increase an inch in height what he askedorsly lariat bill used always to have a bunch of red flowers in his shirt pocket the red lit up his dark eyes and olive cheeks and made him splendid may I put some red flowers on you freckles stared as he wheezed for breath he wished the earth would open and swallow him was he dead or alive since his angel had seen blackjack she never had glanced his way was she completely bewitched would she throw herself at the man's feet before them all couldn't she give him even one thought hadn't she seen that he was gagged and bound did she truly think that these were mclean's men why she could not it was only a few days ago that she had been close enough to this man and angry enough with him to peel the hat from his head with a shot suddenly a thing she had said gestingly to him one day came back with startling force you must take angels on trust of course you must she was his angel she must have seen his life and what was far more her own was in her hands there was nothing he could do but trust her surely she was working out some plan the angel knelt beside his flowerbed and recklessly tore up by the roots a big bunch of foxfire these stems are so tough and sticky she said I can't break them loan me your knife she ordered freckles as she reached for the knife her back was for one second toward the men she looked into his eyes and deliberately winked she severed the stems tossed the knife to freckles and walking to jack laid the flowers over his heart freckles broke into a sweat of agony he had said she would be safe in a herd of howling savages would she? if blackjack even made a motion toward touching her freckles knew that from some way he would muster the strength to kill him he mentally measured the distance to where his club lay and set his muscles for a spring but no by the splendor of God the big fellow was bearing his head with a hand that was unsteady the angel pulled one of the long silver pins from her hat and fastened her flowers securely freckles was quaking what was to come next what was she planning and oh did she understand the danger of her presence among those men the real necessity for action as the angel stepped from jack she turned her head to one side and peered at him quite as freckles had seen the little yellow fellow do on the line a hundred times and said well that does the trick isn't that fine see how it sets him off boys don't you forget the ties to be red and the first ride soon I can't wait very long now I must go the bird woman will be ready to start and she will come here hunting me next for she is busy today what did I come here for anyway she glanced inquiringly around and several of the men laughed oh the delight of it she had forgotten her errand for him Jack had a second increase in height the angel glanced helplessly as if seeking a clue then her eyes fell as if by accident on freckles and she cried oh I know now it was those magazines the bird woman promised you I came to tell you that we put them under the box where we hide things at the entrance to the swamp as we came in I knew I would need my hands crossing the swamp so I hid them there you'll find them at the same old place then freckles spoke it's mighty risky for you to be crossing the swamp alone, he said I'm surprised that the bird woman would be letting you try it I know it's a little farther but it's big in you I am to be going back by the trail that's bad enough but it's far safer than the swamp the angel laughed merrily oh stop your nonsense she cried I'm not afraid, not in the least the bird woman didn't want me to try following a path that I'd been over only once but I was sure I could do it I was rather proud of the performance now don't go babying you know I'm not afraid no, said freckles gently I know you're not but that has nothing to do with the fact that your friends are afraid for you on the trail you can see your way a bit ahead and you've all the world a better chance if you meet a snake then freckles had an inspiration he turned to jack imploringly you tell her he pleaded by the trail, she will for you the implication of this statement was so gratifying to black jack that he seemed again to expand and take on increase before their very eyes you bet exclaimed jack and to the angel you better take freckles' word for it miss he knows the old swamp better than any of us except me and if he says go by the trail you'd best do it the angel hesitated she wanted to recross the swamp and try to reach the horse she knew freckles would brave any danger to save her crossing the swamp alone but she really was not afraid while the trail added over a mile to the walk she knew the path she intended to run for dear life the instant she felt herself from their sight and tucked in the folds of her blouse was a fine little 32 caliber revolver that her father had presented her for her share in what he was pleased to call her military exploit one last glance at freckles showed her the agony in his eyes and immediately she imagined he had some other reason she would follow the trail alright she said giving jack a thrilling glance if you say so I'll return by the trail to please you goodbye everybody she lifted the bushes and headed toward the entrance you damned fool stop her keep her till we're loaded anyhow you're playing hell can't you see that when this thing is found out there shall be to ruin all of us if you let her go every man of us has got to cut and some of us will be caught sure jack sprang forward freckles his heart muffled in his throat the angel seemed to divine jack's coming she was humming a little song she deliberately stopped and began pulling the heads of the curious grasses that grew all around her when she straightened she took a step backward and called ho freckles the bird woman wants that natural history pamphlet returned it belongs to a set she is going to have bound that's one of the reasons we put it under the box you be sure to get them as you go home tonight for fear it rains or becomes damp with the heavy juice all right said freckles but it was in a voice that he never had heard before then the angel turned and sent a parting glance at jack she was overpoweringly human and bewitchingly lovely you won't forget that ride in the red tie she half asserted half questioned jack succumbed freckles was his captive but he was the angel's soul and body his face wore the holiest look it ever had known as he softly re-echoed freckles's all right with her head held well up the angel walked slowly away and jack turned to the men dropped your damned staring and saw a wood he shouted don't you know anything at all about how to treat a lady it might have been a question which of the cronies that crouched over green wood fires in the cabins of wildcat hollow eternally sucking a corn cob pipe and stirring the endless kettles of stewing coon and opossum had taught him to do even as well as he had by the angel the men muttered and threatened among themselves but they began working desperately someone suggested that a man be sent to follow the angel and to watch her and the bird woman leave the swamp freckles's heart sank within him but jack was in a delirium and passed all caution yes he sneered maybe all of you had better give over on the saw and run after the girl I guess not seems to me I got the favors I didn't see no bouquets on the rest of you if anybody follows her I do and I'm needed here among such a pack of idiots there's no danger in that baby face she wouldn't give me away you double and work like 40 while me and wesner will take the axes and begin to cut on the other side what about the noise asked wesner no difference about the noise answered jack she took us to be from the cleans gang slick as grease make the chips fly so all of them attacked the big tree freckles sat on one of his benches and waited in their haste to fell the tree and load it so that the teamsters could start and leave them free to attack another they had forgotten to rebind him the angel was on the trail and safely started the cold perspiration made freckles's temple clammy and ran in little streams down his chest it would take home more time to follow the trail but her safety was freckles' sole thought and urging her to go that way he tried to figure on how long it would require to walk to the carriage he wondered if the bird woman had unhitched he followed the angel every step of the way he figured on when she would cross the path of the clearing pass the deep pool where his find out frog lived cross sleepy snake creek and reach the carriage he wondered what she would say to the bird woman and how long it would take them to pack and start he knew now that they would understand and the angel would try to get the boss there in time to save his wager she could never do it for the saw was over half through and jack and wesner cutting into the opposite side of the tree it appeared as if they could fell at least that tree before mclean could come and if they did he lost his wager when it was down would they rebind him and leave him for wesner to wreak his insane vengeance on or would they take him along to the next tree and dispose of him when they had stolen all the timber they could jack had said that he should not be touched until he left surely he would not run all that risk for one tree when he had many others of far greater value marked freckles felt that he had some hope to cling to now but he found himself praying that the angel would hurry once jack came to freckles and asked if he had any water freckles arose and showed him where he kept his drinking water jack drank in great gulps and as he passed back the bucket he said when a man's got a chance of catching a fine girl like that he ought not to be mixed up in any dirty business I wish to god I was out of this freckles answered heartily I wish I was too jack stared at him a minute and then broke into a roar of rough laughter blessed if I blame you he said but you had your chance we offered you a fairer thing and you gave wesner his answer I ain't envying you when he gives you his you're six to one answered freckles it will be easy enough for you to be killing the body of me but curse you all, you can't blacken my soul well I'd be given anything you could name if I had your honesty said jack when the mighty tree fell the limb lost shivered and screamed with the echo freckles groaned in despair but the gang took heart that was so much accomplished they knew where to dispose of it safely with no questions asked before the day was over they could remove three others all suitable for veneer and worth far more than this then they would leave freckles to wesner and scatter for safety with more money than they had ever hoped for in their possession end of chapter 12 recording by james wood