Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1912-02-17

,oo10 tfeckloS. lou Won AOsUOs -
muft and the Christmas box. To
nun especialT"
There was movement above them
20 pronounced that It attracted Freck.
lea attention, even In that extremo
hour. Hd looked mp. ana pleased
smile flickered into his drawn face,
'sWhy, II It amt me little chicken?
he cried hoarsoly. HE must be max
ing his very frst trip from the LOO.
Now Duncan can have his big watsE.
ing trough" NH.
ut was little chicken that made ne
late" faltered the angel. II was 20
anxious to get hsrS early I forgot to
bring his breakfast from the casriage.
He must have been very hunsfy. for
when I passed the log b. started amer
me. He was 20 wabbly. and 90 slow
getting from tree to tree and through
the bushes. I Just had to watt on him,
for couldn't drive him back"
A spasm Of 0erce pain shook
Freckles, and look Of uncertainty
crossed his face.
"All summer I've been Thanking God
for the falling Of the feather ana al
the delights it's brought me" - mute
tered. ''but this looks like
He raised questioning eyes % Nc
Lean.
II can't help being Irish, but can
help being superstitious." 10 said II
mustn't be laying It to the Almighty.
nor to me bird, must r.
''No. dear lad" said Mclean. strokine
the brilliant hair. The choice ny with
you. You could have stood q rooted
dolt like all the rest OF 10. 1t vas
through your great love and your high
courage that you made the sacf1dce."
Don't you b % naming II, sirr.
cried Freckles. cts Just the Fevsrse.
II could be giving me body tho hum
dred times over to save hefs from this.
I'd be doing 1t and take Joy with svery
pain"
He turned with 4 smile oe adorins
tenderness to the angel. She scarcely
seemed to hear or understand what
was coming. but she bravely tried to
answer that smile.
rs mo forehead covered With dirtT
he asked.
She shook her head.
"You did once" he gasped-
Instantly she laid her lips On hiS
forehead. then on each cheek, and then
in long kiss on his lips.
"Freckles.'' said Mclean brolenly,
"you will never know how love you.
You won't go without saying good.
by to meY'
That word stung the angel to quick
She started - Il
rouslng from sleep.
''Goodby?" she cried sharply. Good
by! What do you mean? Who's say
ing goodby? Where could Freckies go
when he Is hurt like this. bat to the
hospital? You call up the men. We
must start right away"
Its no use. angel" said Freckles;
I'm thinking ivry bone in me breast
ls smashed. You'll have to be letting
me goT'
II Will not" said the angel natiy.
"You are alive. You are breathing.
and no matter how badly your bones
are broken. what are great surgeons
for but to AZ you up and make you
well againr'
"Oh. ANGER moaned Frecklss. ri
can't! You don't know how bad It Il.
I'll die the minute you are for trying
to lift me!'
"Of course you will. II you make up
your mind to do It." said the angel
Really you have % do It, Freck!eA
no matter how 1t hurts you. for you
CID this tcr me, and now mnst save
you, SO you might as well promise.
You will promise. Frecklesr
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 60"
He appealed to Mclean.
Dear boss, you know! You be tell
ing her that, for me. living Is far
worse pain than dying. Tell her you
know death Is the best thing could
ever be happening to me!'
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