The Washington times., 1929-02-16
Back in the Swamp Country
Freckles and His Angel"
Make New Plans for
The Future
The Future

beaten, and determined to take 1t
gracefully.
There's one thing more-let's
forget this lordship business as
far as F'reckles is concerned. Es-
sentially, he is. an American; he
will never be happy here. Lords
don't go so big in America; be.
side, / don't think Freckles'
swamp, and my lumberjacks
would like. It." and Mclean
winked at the boy. And now"
ne continued, "Freckles seems
tired; IL you would all be kind
enough. I'd like a few words
alone with him before / go to my
hotel"
Barlow" said Lord O'More,
get the room down the hall ready
for Mr.. Mclean. Did you bring
any luggage??'
''One bag is in my car below;
my driver is down there waiting
for me.
VERY we'll Barlow, tell Thomas
to find a place in the stables for
Mr.. Barlow's car. and put up his
driver"
This is kind OF you-I don't
want to intrude, but l will enjoy
being near the boy"
Goodnight, Mr. Mclean" Uncle
Maxwell held out his hand, much
to the surprise of everyone. and
Mclean took it.
II guess you are right, Mr. Nc
Lean, whatever Terence decides
will be right with me.
At last Freckles and Mclean
were alone.
Its time for you 10 be quiet,
and go to sleep"
''Oh, dear Boss. l can't sleep
I'm too happy. I'll promise to be
quiet, IL you'll stay and talk to me
for q WHILE
Freckles' questions were Of the
Angel. Mclean was cautious; he
said nothing of Dick: he did not
want to worry Freckles now.
She still loves me, Boss"
''I believe she does; knowing her
as you do. what made you think
she would change? You've done
her terrible injustice, and hurt
her feelings besides--if you were
small. Id spank yOu"'
I've been In an awful mood due
to the hostile environment here;
my plans and desires balked at
every turn; / wasn't getting any.
where
Nothing is an excuse for doubt.
ing the Angel"
Il know it, and I'll spend the
remainder of my days making it
up to her."
Mclean thought 1t wise to
change the subject; he talked Of
his trip; of Mrs. Anderson and
Paul: of their plans. When he
mentioned the artificial hand,
Freckles' joy was pathetic. I'm
going to sing, Boss--the Angel
wants me to-that is what this
record tells me-with gloves, they
would never miss the hand!" Nc
Lean nodded.
1--WE much to live for now, due
to the Angel and you" Exhausted,
he fell asleep. with the Angels
voice ringing in his ears.
The next few weeks We're busy
ones. Freckles, with an incentive
at last. grew strong rapidly. Nc
Lean wrote long letters to Eliza
beth Anderson and Paul, explain.
ing Freckles' illness and their de
lay. Mrs. Anderson replied that
| they were having a glorious time,
and would wait.
One day Freckles called Barlow
and Mclean to him.
Barlow, you've been a great
friend to me; I'd like to show my
appreciation. What are your
plans for the future? Do you
think you'd like American"
Il think I'd like my own coun-
try best, sir. I've been thinking
about the things you say this
country needs; I've worked all my
| life, and I've saved a tidy sum.
I'd like to buy a farm and make
a model of 1t for other farmers
to come and see; I'd develop it
along the lines you suggest"
Lord OMore had entered. and
vas listening. He spoke before
F'reckles could reply.
Terence, you were right about
me: I'm going to try to be less
selfish: Ill take my money. and
I'll interest my friends. With
Barlow as manager, we ought to
accomplish much. What do you
say, BarloWg'
Barlow's eyes shone. II love
my country-it would be wonder
| full. sir" he answered simply
"Then it's settled. Wen buy,
equip and develop a modern farm:
many farmers have children in
| America who can send them
money; for those who have not,
we can establish a system of max.
ing small loans at low interest. to
give. them start"
That's the ticket, Uncle Max.
well, three cheers! land a coupla
tables) ! knew there was good
stuff in you If we could just find
way to pry it out"'
While Freckles was recuperating,
Mclean spent hours driving in
his car with O'More and Barlow;
they talked to farmers: made sug-
gestions; laid their plans wisely
and efficiently. As Lord O'More
interest grew, and he began think
ing OF others for the first time in
his life, his disposition improved
-he became more kind and
thoughtful Lady O'More bios.
somed like a rose; one heard her
laugh; the whole atmosphere of
the house was changed.
Autumn had crept into the heart
of the Limberlost. The air was
cooler: the delicate spring flowers
yvare syo1e, and the nata piaen 0f