Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1912-03-14
CHAPTER XIX CONTINUED

\ L
They are all here" said the boss.
except q couple that have gone for
doctors, Mrs. Duncan, and the Bird
Woman"
ITS no use trying TO do anything"
said Frecklcs. You won't forget the
muff and the Christmas box. The
nun especialT"
There was n movement above them
so pronounced that 1t attracted Freck-
les attention. even in that extreme
hour. lie looked up, and pleased
smile hickered into his drawn face
why II It amt me little chicken
he cried hoarsely. He must be max
ing his very first trip from the log.
ing trough"
"It was little chicken that made me
late" faltered the angel. 81 was SO
anxious to get here early forgot to
bring his breakfast from the carriage.
He must have been very hungry, for
when passed the log he started after
me. He was so wabblv. and so slow
getting from tree to tree and through
tho bushes, I Just had to wait on him,
for I couldn't drive him back"
A spasm Of fierce pain shook
Freckles, and look of uncertainty
crossed his face.
"All summer I've been thanking God
for the falling Of the feather and all
the delights It's brought me-" he NUT
tered, but this looks Ike
He raised questioning eyes to Nc
Lean.
II can't help being Irish, but can
help being supcrstitious." he said. 81
mustn't be laying it to the Almighty.
nor to me bird, must II"
mo, dear lad" said Mclean. stroking
the brilliant hair. THE choice lay with
you. You could have stood rooted
dolt like all the rest Of US. It was
through your great love and your high
courage that you made the sacrifice"
Don't you he SO naming it, STRIP
cried Freckles. ITS just the reverse.
If could be giving me body the hun.
dred times over to save hers from this,
Id be doing it and take Joy with every
pain"
He turned with smlr Of adoring
tenderness TO the angel she scarcely
seemed to hear or understand what
was coming. but she bravcly tried to
answer that smile.
SIS me forehead covered with dirt :"
he asked.
She shook her head
You did once" he caspcd
Instantly she laid her lips on his
forehead. then on each cheek. and then
in long kiss on his lips.
"Freci]es." said Mclean brokenly,
you will never know how love you
You won't go without saying good
by to me-"
That word stung the angel TO quick
comprehension. She started as if
rousing from sleep.
"Goodby" she cried sharply Good
by. What do you mean? Who's say
Ing goodby? Where could Freckles 20.
when he Is hurt like this, hut TO the
hospital? You call up the men We
must start right away"
ITS no use, angel" SAID ireckles:
I'm thinking ivry bone in me breast
IS smashed. You'll have to be letting
NE CO.
Il will not" said the angel fatty.
YOU are alive. You are breathing.
md no matter how badly your bones
are broken. what are great surgeons
for but to fix you up and make you
well again."
oh. angel" moaned Freckles, II
can't! You don't know how bad It is.
I'll die the minute you are for trying
to lift me.'
"Of course you will. If you make up
your mind to do It," said the angel.
Really you have to do it, Freckles.
no matter how 1t hurts you, for you
did this for me, and now / must save
you. so you might as well promise.
You will promise, Freckles?"
Angel. darlin' angel" pleaded
Freckles, you amt understanding.
and can't for the life Of me be telling
you, but, indade, it's best to be letting
me Co."
He appealed to Mclean.
Dear boss, You know. You be tell
ing her that, for me, living Ia far
worse pain than dying. Tell her YOU
know death is the best thing could
ever be happening to mel"