Chapter XVI

           FromafarFrecklessawthemcoming.TheAngelwasstanding,wavingherhat.Hesprangonhiswheelandraced,joltingandpounding,downthecorduroytomeetthem.TheBirdWomanstoppedthehorseandtheAngelgavehimthebitofprintpaper.Frecklesleanedthewheelagainstatreeandtooktheproofwitheagerfingers.Heneverbeforehadseenastudyfromanyofhischickens.Hestoodstaring.Whenheturnedhisfacetowardthemitwastransfiguredwithdelight.

           “Yousee!”heexclaimed,andbegangazingagain.“Oh,meLittleChicken!”hecried.“OhmeilegantLittleChicken!I’dbegivingallmemoneyinthebankforyou!”

           ThenhethoughtoftheAngel’smuffandMrs.Duncan’shat,andadded,“oratleast,allbutwhatI’mneedingbadforsomethingelse.WouldyoumindstoppingatthecabinaminuteandshowingthistoMotherDuncan?”heasked.

           “Givemethatlittlebookinyourpocket,”saidtheBirdWoman.

           Shefoldedtheouteredgesoftheproofsothatitwouldfitintothebook,explainingasshedidsoitsperishablenatureinthatstate.Freckleswenthurryingahead,andtheyarrivedintimetoseeMrs.Duncangazingasifawestruck,andtohearherbewildered“WeelIbedrawedon!”

           FrecklesandtheAngelhelpedtheBirdWomantoestablishherselfforalongdayatthemouthofSleepySnakeCreek.Thenshesentthemawayandwaitedwhatluckwouldbringtoher.

           “Now,whatshallwedo?”inquiredtheAngel,whowasabundleofnervesandenergy.

           “Wouldyouliketogotomeroomawhile?”askedFreckles.

           “Ifyoudon’tcaretoverymuch,I’drathernot,”saidtheAngel.