Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1912-06-25
CHAPTER XVI.
rRECKI.Es RELEASED,

I"NdC DoSS 1oue ncSo "no o
with the angel. He glanced
back and saw that Duncan
~ was near. There was some
thing terrifying In the look Of the big
man and the way he sat his beast and
rode. 1t would be sad day for the
man on whom Duncan's wrath broke.
There were four others close behind
him and the pike filling up with the
rest Of the gang.
The angel turned into the trail to
the west. and the men punched and
followed her. When she reached the
entrance to Freckles' room there were
four men with her and two more very
close behind. She slid from the horse
and, snatching the little revolver from
her breast. darted for the bushes.
Mclean caught them back and, with
drawn weapon. pressed up beside her.
There they stopped in astonishment.
The Bird Woman blocked the en-
trance. Over u small limb lay her re-
volver. and 1t was trained at short
range OH Black Jack and Wessner,
who stood with their hands above
their heads.
Freckles, with blood streaming
down his face from an ugly cut III his
temple. was gagged and bound to the
tree again, and the rest OF the men
were gone. Black Jack, was ravlng
like IL maniac. and when they looked
closer 1t was only the left arm that
he raised. His right. with the hand
shattered, hung helpless. and his re-
volver lay at Freckles' feet. Wess-
ners weapon was still In his belt. and
beside him lay Freckles' club.
Freckles' face was Of stony white
ness, with colorless lips. but In his
eyes was the strength Of undying
courage. Mclean pushed past the
Bird Woman. crying. Hold STEADY
on them for Just one minute more"
He snatched the revolver from Wess'
ner's belt and stopped for Jacks.
At that instant the angel rushed IN.
She tore the gag from Freckles. and.
selling the rope knotted on his chest.
she tugged at 1t desperately. Under
her fingers It gave way. and she hurled
It to Mclean. The men were crowd
ing in, and Duncan seized Wessner.
As the angel saw Freckles stand our
free she reached her arms to him ana
pitched forward. A fearful oath burst
from the lips Of Black Jack. 10 have
sayed his life Freckles could not have
avoided the glance Of triumph he gave
Jack as he folded his angel In his arms
and stretched her on the MOSES.
As Mclean rose from binding Wess'
ner there was a cry that Jack was
escaping. He was already well into
the swamp. working for Its densest
prr. Every man that could be spared
plunged after him. Other members OF
the gang arriving. they were sent 70
follow the tracks Of the wagons.
Watchers patrolled the line and ROADS
through the swamp all that night with
lighted torches. and the next day NC
Lean headed as thorough search as
he felt could be made Of one side.
while Duncan covered the other. but
Black Jack could not he found. Spies
we're set about his home In Wildcat
hollow to nscertat. II he reached there
or aid was sent In any direction 10
him. but II was soon clear that his
relatives were ignorant OF bis where
abouts and themselves searching for
him.
Great Ii thu elasticity Of youth. A
hot bath and sound nights sleep re-
newed rreckles' strength. Freckies
was OH the trail early the next morn
ing. Besides crowd Of people anx.
ious to witness Jacks capture. he
found four stalwart guards, one at
each turn. In his heart be was COM
PEELED to admit that he was glad to
have them there.
Near noon Mclean turned his party
over to join Duncan's and @kn& kE22: