The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1912-07-25

AT the edge OF the clearing he came
out into the bright moonlight, and
there sat Mclean on his mare. Freck-
les hurried up to him.
"Is there troubleT he asked anxious
ly.
That's what I wanted 10 ask you,"
said the boss II stopped Mt the cabin
TO see you minute before I turned In.
and they said you had come down
here. You must not do II. Freckles."
Freckles stood comblng his fingers
through Nellle's name, and the dainty
creature was twisting her head around
10 his caresses lie pushed back his
hat and looked up into McLean's face.
ITS come 10 the sleep with one eye
OPEN sir I'm not looking for any
thing 20 be happening for a week or
two. but it's bound TO come, and soon.
ised you and meself, I've to live here
mostly until the gang comes. You
must be knowing that, SIR"
I'm afraid it's true. Freckles," said
Mclean. "And I've decided to double
the guard until we get here. II will
only be n few weeks now. and Tn so
anxious for you that you must not be
left alone further. II anything should
happen to you. Freckles, II would spoil
one OF the very dearest plans OF my
life"
Freckles heard with dismay the
proposition to place a second guard.
"Oh! no, no. Mr.. Mclean" he cried
mot for the world I wouldn't he hav.
Ing stranger around, soaring me
birds and tramping up me study and
disturbing all me ways for any money
I am all the guard you need will be
faithful! will turn over the lease
with no tree missing-on me life.
will! oh, don't be sending another
man TO set them saying I turned COW.
ard and asked for help. IL will just
kill the honor OF me heart II you do
II. The only thing I want Is another
gun"
Mclean handed shining big revol.
yer down to Freckles. who slipped II
beside the one already In his belt
"Freckles." he said at last. Eve never
know the timber OF mans soul until
something cuts into him deeply and
brings the grain out strong. You've
the making of n mighty fine piece of
furniture. my boy. and you shall have
your own way these few weeks yet.
Then II you will go I am going to take
you to the city and educate you, and
you are 10 be my son, my lad-my own
son.
Freckles twisted his fingers In Mel
lies name TO steady himself.
"But why should you be doing that.
sir?" he faltered.
Mclean slid his arm down about the
boys shoulders and gathered him close
10 him.
Because love you. Freckles." he
said simply.
Mclean frightened his clasp a second
longer. then he rode away down the
trail
Freckles lifted his hat and faced the
sky. The harvest moon looked down.
sheeting the swamp In silver glory.
The Limberlost sang her night song.
The swale softly rustled In the wind.
Winged things Of night brushed his.
face. and still Freckles gazcd upward.
trying to fathom these things which
had come TO him. To one above the
sky he must make acknowledgment
for these miracles. His lips moved
and he began softly:
"Thank you for each separate good
thing that has come TO me-" he said.
''and. above all. for the falling OF the
feather for II II didn't really fall from
an angel its falling brought an angel.
and II it's in the great heart Of you to
exercise yourself any further about
me. oh, do please to DO taking good
care Of herr