The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-12-27
CHAPTER III.
A FEATHER FALLs.

f~lHE sounds that had at first struck cold fear into Freckles' soul he now knew had left on - wing and silent foot at the approach of winter. AS flock after flock of the birds returned and he recognized the old echoes reawakening he found to his surprise that he had been lonely for them and was hailing their return with great joy. He was possessed of an overpowering desire to know what they were. to learn where they had been and whether they would make friends with him as the winter birds had done. and if they did would they be as f1ckle? For with the running sap. creeping worm and wing ing bug most of Freckles, chickens" had deserted him. entered the swamp and feasted to such state of plethora on its store that they cared little for his supply. so that in the days of mat ing and nest building the boy was de- serted.
 The yearly resurrection of the Linn berlost is mighty revival. Freckles stood back and watched with awe aiN envy the grad gal reclothing and re- populating of the swamp. Keen eyed and alert through danger and loneli- ness. he noted every stage of develop ment from the first piping frog and un- sheathing bud to full leafage and the return of the last emigrant-
 The knowledge of his complete lone Illness and utter tnsignifcance was hourly thrust upon him. He brooded and fretted until he was in a fever. and yet he never guessed the cause. and a longing that would not much further be denied.
 1t was June by the zodiac. June by the Limberlost. and by every delight of newly resurrected season it should have been June in the hearts of all men. Yet Freckles scowled darkly as he came down the trail. and the rum ming tap. tap which tested the sagging wire and telegraphed word of his com- ing to his furred and feathered friends of the swamp this morning carried the story of his discontent a mile ahead of him.
 Freckles' special pet. dainty yellow coated. black sleeved cock goldhnch. had for several days past remained on the wire. the bravest of all. and Freckles. absorbed with the cunning and beauty of the tiny fellow. never guessed that he was being duped, for the goidhnch was skipping, flirting and swinging for the express purpose of holding his attention that he would not took up and see a small cradle of thistledown and wool perilously near his head.
 A peculiar movement under a small walnut tree caught his eye. He stop ped to investigate 1t was an un- usually large Luna cocoon. and the moth was just bursting the upper end in its struggles to reach light and air. Freckles stood and stared.
 There's something in. there trying to get out" he muttered. Wonder if l could help'it2 Guess best not be trying. If l hadn't happened along there wouldn't have been any one to help 1t, and maybe I'd only be hurting 1t. lt's-it's-oh. skagganyi It's just being bornr'
 Freckles gasped with surprise. The moth cleared the opening and with great wobbilngs and contortions climb ed up the tree. He stared. speeches. with amaxement us the moth crept around a limb and clung to the under side. There was great pursy body almost as large as his thumb and of the very snowiest white that Freckles had ever seen. There was a band of