The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1912-01-03
CHAPTER XI.
THE MAN OF AFFAIRS.


 THE MAN OF AFFAIRS.
 "TTlHY don't you take it your M self?" questioned the man of | INV affairs; ns1l.;,... .,.., .u .vs. met those of the angels father square ly. and he said. If you were in my l place would you take it to her your self?'
 No. would not,' said that gentle man quickly.
 ''Then why ask why I did noc?' came FreckIeS' Iamblike query. Bless me!'' said the angels father. He stared at the package. then at the lifted chin of the boy and tht n at the package again and muttered, Excuse me-
 EreckleS bowed
 'It would be favoring me greatly if you would deliver the hat and the message. Good morning, sir," and he turned away.
 ''One minute" said the angels fa- ther. Suppose give you permission to return this hat in person and make your own acknowledgements"
 Freckles stood one moment thinking intently. and then he lifted those eyes OA uAS"CENAAS IA0LA anu oohC0s "Why should you, sir? You are kind indade to mention 1t. and it's thanking you am for your good intintions. but my wanting to go or your being will ing to have me ain't proving that your daughter would be wanting me or care to bother with me"
 The angels father looked keenly into the face of this extraordinary young man, and he found it to his liking.
 There's one other thing I meant to say.'' said EreckIes. Every day 1 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 1t to her. and if shed want me to.I can send her word when l find things she wouldn't likely get elsewhere"
 elf that's the case" said the angels father. "and you feel under obliga- tions 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 sub- jects. 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" A
 "Its hungry for human beings z I get" said FreckIes. "and it's like heaven to me to have them come. When it comes to protecting them I'd risk me life. to be sure. but even that mightn't do any good in some cases. There's a good many dangers to be reckoned with in the swamp. sir"
 There was no way in which Freckles could know it. but by following his best instincts and being what he con- ceived a gentleman should be he sur prised the man of affairs into thinking of him and seeing his face over his books many times that morning. He stepped to the curb to mount his wheel and heard voice that thrilled through and through him, calling; "Freckles! Oh, Freckles!'
 The angel separated herself from a group of girls and came hurrying up to him. She was in snowy white-a quaint little frock with a marvel of soft lace about her throat and wrists. Through the sheer sleeves of it her beautiful. rounded arms showed dis dnctly. and it was cut just to the base of her perfect neck. On her head was pure white creation of fanc9 braid with folds on folds of tulle. soft and silken as cobwebs. lining the brim. and great mass of white roses clustered against the gold of her hair crept about the crown and fell in a riot to her shoulders at the back There were glAR ms of gold with settings of blue on her fingers, and altogether she was the daintiest, sweetest sight he had ever seen.
 "Oh. FreckIesr' she cried. 'T was wondering about you the other day. Is there any trouble? Are you just starting back to the Limberlost?"
 "I came to bring your hat" said FreckIes. You forgot it in the rush the other day. I have just left it with your father and 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. and Freckles saw in flash that he had done the proper thing in going to her father. Then she was saying that she could scarcely wait for the time to come for the next picture of the Little Chickens series. "I want to hear the ! rest of that song. and l hadn't even | begun seeing your room yet" she com | plained. s"I wonder if couldn't bring | my banjo and some of the songs 1 like | best. I'll play and you'll sing"
 Freckles felt that if he lifted his eyes | the adoration In them would frighten | her.
 ''I was afraid your experience the | other day would scare you so that | you'd never be coming again." he | found himself saying.