Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1912-05-16
PAGE SEVEN

rive soon The men were sending
ringing blows into the telling side Of
the tree when the boss rode up.
His first word was to inquire for
the angel. When Freckles said she
had not yet come Nc Lean gave orders
to stop work on the tree until she
arrived. AS the men stepped back a
stiff morning breeze caught the top
that lowered high above it's fellows.
There was an ominous grinding at
the base. a shiver of the mighty
trunk. and directly in line of it's fall
the bushes swung apart and the laugh
ing face of the angel looked in on
them.
"A groan OF horror burst from the dry
threats of the men. and. reading the
agony in their faces. she stopped short,
glanced up and understood.
South" shouted Nc Lean. .Run
south!'
The poor child was helpless. It was
patent that she did not know which
way south was. There was another
slow shiver Of the tree. The rest OF
the gang stood as if rooted, but Freck-
les sprang past the trunk and went
leaping in great bounds. He caught
up the angel and dashed through the
thlcket for safety. The swaying trunk
was half over when, just for an in
slant. a nearby tree stayed it's fall.
They saw Freckles' foot catch. and
with the angel he plunged headlong.
A cry broke from the men, and Nc
Lean covered his face. Instantly
freckles was up. with the angel in
his arms plunging on again. The out
er limbs were on them when they
saw Freckles hurl the angel. face
down, in the muck. as far from him as
he could send her. Springing after,
in an attempt to cover her body with
his own. he whirled to see if they were
still in danger. and with outstretched
arms a himself for the shock.
The branches shut them from sight,
and the awful crash rocked the earth.
Mclean and Duncan ran with axes
and saws. The rest of the gang fol-
lowed, and they worked like madmen.
1t seemed an age before they caught
a glimpse OF the angels blue dress,
"AN GU tAt1l tlSOE. Duncan
fell on his knees beside her and tore
the muck from underneath her with
his hands. In a few seconds he drag
ged her out. choking and stunned.
Freckles lay a little farther under
the tree, a big limb pinning him down.
Duncan began mining beneath him,
but Freckles stopped him.
you can't be moving me-" be said,
you must cut off the limb and lift it.
1 know"
Two men ran for the big saw. A.
number of them laid hold of the limb
and bore up. In a little time it was
off. and Freckles lay free.
The men bent over him to lift him,
but he motioned them away
Don't be touching me until I rest a
Bit" he pleaded.
Then he twisted his head until be
saw the angel. who was digging muck
from her eyes and wiping it off her
face on the skirt Of her dress.
TRY to get up" he begged.
Mclean helped the angel to her feet
DO you think any bones are bro
ken?" gasped Freckles. You see If
you can find any. sir"
Mclean assured Freckles that she
was not seriously injured.
Freckles settled back with a smile
of ineffable tenderness on his face.
THANK the Lord!r' he hoarsely
whispered.
The angel broke from Mclean.
Nov. Freckles, your she cried.
tits your turn. Please get up!"
A pitiful spasm swept Freckles' face.
The angel took hold Of his hand.
[To BE Continued |