Веснушки

           There’sthelightofthecampfire,andthesunsettingoverSleepySnakeCreek.There’stheredofthebloodwewerewillingtogiveforeachother.It’slikeherlips,andlikethedropsthatdriedonherbeautifularmthatfirstday,andI’mthinkingitmustbelikethebrave,tender,clean,redheartofher.”

           FrecklesliftedtherubytohislipsandhandedittoMcLean.

           “I’llbesigningmechequeandyouhaveitset,”hesaid.“Iwantyoutodrawmemoneyandpayforitwiththoseverysamedollars,sir.”

           AgaintheheartofMcLeantookhope.

           “Freckles,mayIaskyousomething?”hesaid.

           “Why,sure,”saidFreckles.“There’snothingyouwouldbeaskingthatitwouldn’tbegivingmejoytobetellingyou.”

           McLean’seyestraveledtoFreckles’rightarmwithwhichhewasmovingthejewels.

           “Oh,that!”criedFreckleswithalaugh.“You’rewantingtoknowwhereallthebitternessisgone?Wellsir,’twascarriedfrommesoul,heart,andbodyonthelipsofanAngel.Seemsthathurtwasnecessaryinthebeginningtomaketodaycometrue.Thewoundhadalwaysbeenraw,buttheAngelwashealingit.Ifshedoesn’tcare,Idon’t.Medearnewfatherdoesn’t,normeauntanduncle,andyouneverdid.WhyshouldIbefrettingallmelifeaboutwhatcan’tbehelped.Therealtruthis,thatsincewhathappenedtoitlastweek,I’msoeverlastinglyproudofitIcatchmeselfstickingitoutondisplayabit.”

           FreckleslookedtheBossintheeyesandbegantolaugh.

           “Wellthankheaven!”saidMcLean.

           “Nowit’smeturn,”saidFreckles.