The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1912-02-15

/
knew. That he would be abetted by
| Black Jack was almost certain. but
fear had fed the happy heart Of Freck-
les. He had kept his trust. He had
won the respect of the boss. Nobody
| could ever wipe from his heart the
food of holy alteration that had welled
up with the coming of his angel.
At the edge of the clearing be came
out into the bright moonlight, and
there sat Mclean on his mare. B'reck-
les hurried up to him.
lis there trouble?" he asked anxious
ly.
That's what wanted to ask you"
said the boss. ~ stopped at the cabin
to see you minute before turned in.
and they said you had come down
here. You must not do it. Freckles."
Freckles stood combing his fingers
through Nellie's name. and the dainty
creature was twisting her head around
to his caresses. He pushed back his
hat and looked up into McLean's face.
ITS come to the sleep with one eye
open.' sir. I'm not looking for any
thing to be happening for week or
two. but it's bound TO come, and soon.
If I'm 10 keep me trust as I've prom
ised you and meself. I've TO live here
mostly until the gang comes. You
must be knowing that. sir
I'm afraid it's true. Freckles." said
Mclean. "And I've decided to double
the guard until we get here. 1t will
only be a few weeks now. and I'm so
anxious for you that you must not be
left alone further If anything should
happen TO you. Freckles. it would spoil
one of the very dearest plans of my
life"
Freckles heard with dismay the
proposition TO place second guard.
"Oh. no. no. Mr.. Mclean" he cried
mot for the world. | wouldn't be hav-
ing a stranger around soaring me
birds and tramping up me study ard
disturbing all me ways for any money
I am all the guard you need. | will be
faithful! | will turn over the lease
with no tree missiug-oE me life. |
will. Oh. don't be sending another
man to set them saying turned cow
ard and asked for help. 1t will just
kill the honor Of me heart If you do
it. The only thing l want is another
gun
Mclean handed shining big revol-
yer down to Freckles. who slipped 1t
beside the one already in his belt.
"Freckles." he said at last. 1--WE never
know the timber of mans soul until
something cuts into him deeply and
brings the grain out strong. You've
the making of a mighty fine piece of
furniture. my boy. and you shall have
your own way these few weeks yet
Then If you will go am going to take
you to the city and educate you. and
you are to be my son. my lad-my own
son."
Freckles twisted his fingers in Mel
lies name to steady himself.
But why should you be doing that.
sir?" be faltered.
Mclean slid his arm down about the
boys shoulders and gathered him close
to him.
Because 1 love you. Freckles." he
said simply.
Mclean frightened his clasp second |
longer. then he rode away down the |
trail.
Freckles lifted his hat and faced the |
sky The harvest moon looked down. |
sheeting the swamp in silver glory. |
The Limberlost sang her night song
The swale softly rustled in the wind.
Winged things of night brushed his
face. and still Freckles gazed upward. |
trying 70 fathom these things which |
had come TO him. To one above the
sky he must make acknowledgment
for these miracles. His lips moved
and he began softly:
THANK you for each separate good
thing that has come to me-" he said.
and. above all. for the falling of the
feather. for If it didn't really fall fIom
an angel its falling brought an angel,
and If it's in the great heart of you to
exercise yourself any further about
me. oh. do please to be taking good
care OF her,"