The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1912-07-25
iled up an the muctiest places Of the

nlled up all the muckiest places Of the
trail.
II was middle July. The heat Of the
last few days had dried up the water
about and through the Limberlost, so
that II was possible to cross II on foot
in almost any direction II one had any
idea OF direction and did not become
completely lost In Its rank tangle OF
vegetation and bushes.
The heat was doing one other thing
that was bound TO make Freckles, rs
a good Irishman, SILVER. AS the swale
dried its inhabitants were seeking the
cooler depths OF the swamp They
liked neither the heat nor leaving the
field mice. moles and young rabbits
of their chosen location. He saw
them crossing the trail every day as
the heat grew intense. The rattlers
were sadly forgetting their manners.
for they struck on no provocation
whatever and didn't even remember
to rattle afterward. Daily Freckles
was compelled to drive big black
snakes and blue racers from the nests
of his chickens. Often the terrified
squalls OF the parent birds would
reach him far down the line, and he
would run to the rescue Of the ba
bies.
He saw the angel when the carriage
turned from the corduroy into the
clearing. They stopped at the west
entrance 10 the swamp, waiting for
him TO precede them down the trail,
as he had told them II was safest for
the horse that he should do So They
followed the east line to n point oppo.
site the big chickens tree, and Free
kles carried In the cameras and showed
the Bird Woman path he had cleared
to the log.
They arranged that Freckles should
drive the carriage into the east en-
trance In the shade and then take the
horse around toward the north TO a
better place he knew. Then he was
TO entertain the angel at his study or
on the line until the Bird Woman fin
ished her work and came to them.
Freckles trod on air. for his dream
had come true so soon. He was going
down the timberline and the angel was
following him. He asked to be excused
for going first. because he wanted TO
be sure the trail was safe for her.
She laughed at his fears. telling him
that Il was the polite thing for him to
do anyway.
"Oh." said Freckles, so you was
after knowing that? Well. I didn't
s'pose you did. and was afraid you'd
think me wanting In respect TO be
preceding your
The astonished angel looked at him,
caught the irreprcssible CLEAN of Irish
fun In his eyes. and they laughed to-
gether.
talking that morning. He showed her
many of the beautiful nests and eggs
OF the line. She could Identify a mum.
Der of them. but OF some she was igno-
rant. so they made notes OF the mum.
Der and color OF the eggs, material and
construction Of nest. color. size and
shape OF the birds and went on TO look
them up In the book.
At his room. when Freckles had lift
ed the overhanging bushes and stepped
back for her TO enter. his heart was all
out OF time and place. The angel drew
a deep breath and stood staring. first
at one side. then at another. then far
or down the cathedral aisle. Its
Just falryland!" she cried ecstatically.
Then she turned and stared at Freckles
exactly rs she had at his handiwork.
What are you planning TO beY' she
asked slowly.
Whatever Mr.. Mclean wants me
to-" he replied
(ContinuAi next week.