Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1912-03-07

rive soon. The men were sending
ringing blows into tho Telling side Of
the tree when The boss rode up.
Ills 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 sh9
arrived. IA the men stepped back a
stiff morning breeze caught the ton
that tov ored high above its fellows.
There was an ominous grinding at
the base. a shiver of the mighty
trunk, and directly in line of It's fal
he bushes swung apart and the laugh
ing fuce Of the angel looked in On
them.
A groan Of horror burst from the drv
threats OF the men, and, reading tina
agony In their faces, she stopped short.
glanced up and Understood.
south" shouted Nc Lean. run
southr'
The poor child was helpless. r. wac
patent that she did not know which
way south was. There was another
slow shiver Of the tree. The rest "a
the gang stood 6s II rooted, but Freck.
es sprurg past the trunk ard we,h
io..ping = great bound He car,.s
up the angel and dashed through Ina
thlcket for safety. The swaying trunl,
was half over when. Just for an in.
slant q nearby tree stayed Its fall.
They saw Freckles' foot catch. and
with the angel ne plunged headlony.
A cry broke from the men, and Mo.
Lean covered his face. Instantly
Freckles was up. with the angel in
lis arms plunging on again The out.
ar limbs were on them when Try
saw Freckles hurl the angel. face
down, in the muck. as far from him az
he could send her. Springing after.
7 n an attempt to cover her tody with
lis own. he whirled to see if they were
still in danger. and with outstretct 4
arms braced himself for the shock.
he branches shut then from sight.
and the awful crash rocked the earth.
Mclean and Duncan ran with axos
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.
and 1t renewed their vigor Duncan
fell on his knees beside her and tore
the muck from underneath her with
his hands. In few seconds he drag
ged her out. choking and stunned.
Freckles lay little farther under
the tree. big limb pinning him down.
Duncan began mining beneath him,
but Freckles stopped him.
, You can't he moving me-" he said.
You must cut of the limb and lift t.
l 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
on. and Freckles lay free.
The men bent over him to lift him,
but he motioned them away.
Don't be touching me until rest a
BIT" he pleaded
Then he twisted HIS head until he
saw the angel. who was digging muck
from her eyes and wiping 1t OF her
face on the skirt Of her dress.
TRY to get up" be 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.
Treckles settled back with a smile
Of ineffable tenderness on his face.
Thank the Lord" he hoarsely
whispered.
The angel broke from Mclean.
Now. Freckles, you"' she cried.
Its your turn. Please get upv'
A pitful spasm swept Freckles' face
The angel took hold Of his hand.
"Freckles, get up."
1t was half command, half entreaty.
Easy, angel, easy. Let me rest
ut first" implored Freckles.
She knelt beside him. He reached
! his arm about her and drew her up
closely. He looked at Mclean in an
agony Of entreaty that brought the
boss to his knees on the other side.
"Oh Frecllles!' Mclean cried. "No,
that! Surely we can do something.
We must! Let me see.'
He tried to unfasten s'reckles' neck.
band, but his fingers shook so clumsily
nat the angel pushed them away ant
herself laid Freckles chest bare
With iust one hasty glance she gath