The Irish standard., 1912-03-09

ON AGAIN.
cred the clothing together and slip.
ped her arm under bis head. Freckles
lifted eyes of agony to hers.
you seeY he said.
The angel nodded dumbly.
Freckles turned to Mclean.
'"Thank you for everything" he
painted. where are the boysT'
'"They are all here" said the boss,
Except a couple that have gone for
doctors, Mrs. Duncan. and the Bird
Woman" ~.
"It's no use trying to do anything"
said Freckles. "Yon won't forget the
mun and the Christmas box. The
muf especial?"
There was a movement above them
so pronounced that it attracted Freck-
les attention. even in that extreme
hour. He looked up, and a pleased
smile flickered into his drawn face.
'Why, If it amt me little chicken!"
he cried hoarsely. "He must be max
ing his very first trip from the log.
Now Duncan can have his big water
ing trough"
ut was little chicken that made me
late" faltered the angel. II was so
anxious to get here early forgot to
bring his breakfast from the carriage.
He must have been very hungry. for
when l passed the log he started after
me. He was go wabbly. and so slow
getting from tree to tree and through
the bushes, l just had to wait on him.
for 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 like
He raised questioning eyes to Nc
Lean.
II can't help being Irish. but l can
help being superstition" he said. II
mustn't be laying it to the Almighty.
nor to me bird. must II"
mo. dear lad" said Mclean. stroking
the brilliant hair. 1.-THE choice lay with
you. You could have stood a rooted
dolt like all the rest Of Us. 1t was
through your great love and your high
courage that you made the sacrifice"
Don't you be SO naming it, siry
cried Freckles. 'Tt's Just the reverse
II could be giving me body the hun
bred times over to save hers from this,
I'D be doing it and take Joy with every
pain.'
He turned with a smile of adoring
tenderness to the angel. She scarcely
seemed to hear or understand what
was coming. but she bravely tried ia
answer that smile.
els me forehead covered with dirtT'
he asked.
She shook her head.
"You did once" he gasped.
Instantly she laid her lips on bis
forehead. then on each cheek. and then
in long kiss on his lips.
| "Freckles," said Mclean brokenly
you will never know how l love you
You won't go without saying good
by to me%
That word stung the angel to quick
comprehension. She started as II
rousing from sleep.
Goodbye" she cried sharply. "Good
by! What do you mean? Who's say
ing goodby? Where could Freckles go
when he is hurt like this. but to the
hospital? You call up the men. We
must start right away"
Its no use. angel" said Freckies
I'm thinking ivry bone in me breast
is smashed. You'll have to be letting
me go!'' W
Il will not" said the angel fatty
you are alive. You are breathing
and no matter how badly your bones
are broken. what are great surgeon,
for but to 6x you up and make yor
well AGAIN.
"Oh. angel" moaned Freckles. eel
can't! You don't know how bad It ia
I'll die the minute you are for trying
to lift mer'
! "Of course you will. II you make ur
your mind to do it." said the angel
"Raally you have to Do it. Ereckles