Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1912-07-09

begin his studies and dream the sum-
ner over again. It would help to
| make things tangible. When he was
dressed as other men and about his
work he knew where he meant to
home that precious bit Of blue. It
should be his good luck token. and he
would wear 1t always to keep bright
In memory the day on which the angel
had called him her knight
How be would study. and, oh, how
he would sing! II he could fulfill Nc
Leans expectations. and make the
angel proud Of him! II he could only
be real knight!
He could not understand why the
angel had failed to come. She had
wanted to see their tree felled. She
would be too late II she did not ar
rive soon. The men were sending
ringing blows into the telling side Of
the tree when the boss rode up.
His first word was to inquire for
the angel. When Freckles said she
had not yet come Nc Lean gave orders
to stop work on the tree until she
arrived. As the men stepped back a
stiff morning breeze caught the top
that lowered high above its fellows.
There was an ominous grinding at
the base, shiver Of the mighty
trunk. and directly In line Of Its fall
the bushes swung apart and the laugh
ing face of the angel looked In on
them.
A groan Of horror burst from the dry
throats of the men. and, reading the
agony in their faces, she stopped short,
glanced up and understood.
"Southw shouted Nc Lean. Run
SOUTH
The poor child was helpless. It was
patent that she did not know which
way south was. There was another
slow shiver Of the tree. The rest Of
the gang stood as If rooted. but Freck.
les sprang past the trunk and went
leaping in great bounds. He caught
up the angel and dashed through the
thicket for safety. The swaying trunk
was half over when. just for an in
slant. a nearby tree stayed It's fall
They saw Freckles' foot catch. and
with the angel he plunged headlong.
A cry broke from the men. and Nc
Lean covered his face. Instantly
Freckles was up. with the angel in
his arms plunging on again. The out
er limbs were on them when they
saw Freckles hurl the angel. face
down. In the muck. as far from him as
ne could send her. Springing after.
In an attempt to cover her body with
his own. be whirled to see II they were
still in danger. and with outstretched
arms braced himself for the shock.
The branches shut them from sight.
and the awful crash rocked the earth.
Mclean and Duncan ran with axes
and saws. The rest of the gang fol
lowed. and they worked like madmen.
II seemed an age before they caught
a glimpse Of the angels blue dress.
and 1t renewed their vigor. Duncan
fell on his knees beside her and tore
the muck from underneath her with
his hands In q few seconds he drag
ged her out. choking and stunned.
Freckles lay little farther under
the tree. big limb pinning him down.
Duncan began mining beneath him.
but Freckles stopped him.
"You can't be moving me-" be said.
You must cut OF the limb and lift II.
[ know"
Two men ran for the big saw. A
number OF them laid hold OF the limb
and bore up. In a little time IL was
Oh. and Freckles lay free
The men bent over him to lift him.
but he motioned them away.
Don't be touching me until rest
bit" he pleaded.
Then he twisted his head until he
saw the angel. who was digging muck
from her eyes and wiping It or her
face on the skirt of her dress.
TRY to get up" he begged.
Mclean helped the angel to her feet.
"Do you think any bones are bro
ken?" gasped Freckles. You see II
you can find any. SIR"
Mclean assured Freckles that she
was not seriously injured.
Freckles settled back with smile
Of inefrable tenderness on his face.
Thank the Lordr' be hoarsely
whispered.
The angel broke from Mclean.
Now. Freckles. your she cried.
Its your turn. Please get up"
A pitiful spasm swept Freckles' face.
The angel took hold Of his hand.
"Frectles, get up!"
It was half command. half entreaty.
Easy. angel, easy. Let me rest q
bit frst," implored Freckles.
She knelt beside him. He reached
his arm about her and drew her up
closely. He looked at Mclean in an
agony Of entreaty that brought the
boss to his knees on the other side.
"Oh. Frecklesr' Mclean cried. mot
that! Surely we can do something'
We must! Let me see!
He tried to unfasten Freckles' neck
band, but his fingers shook 30 clumsily
that the angel pushed them away and
herself laid Freckles' chest bare.
With Just one hasty glance she gath