Веснянки

           I’dlovethemtobecoming,andI’lldoallIcan,butyoumustbetoldthatthere’sdangerofthemrunningintotimberthievesagainanyday,sir.”

           “Yes,”saidtheAngel’sfather,“andIsupposethere’sdangeroftheearthopeningupandswallowingthetownanyday,butI’mdamnedifIquitbusinessforfearitwill,andtheBirdWomanwon’t,either.Everyoneknowsherandherwork,andthereisnodangerintheworldofanyoneinanywaymolestingher,evenifhewerestealingafewofMcLean’sgold-platedtrees.She’sassafeintheLimberlostassheisathome,sofarastimberthievesareconcerned.AllIameveruneasyaboutarethesnakes,poison-vines,andinsects;andthosearerisksshemustrunanywhere.Youneednothesitateaminuteaboutthat.Ishallbegladtotellthemwhatyouwish.Thankyouverymuch,andgoodday,sir.”

           TherewasnowayinwhichFrecklescouldknowit,butbyfollowinghisbestinstinctsandbeingwhatheconceivedagentlemanshouldbe,hesurprisedtheManofAffairsintothinkingofhimandseeinghisfaceoverhisbooksmanytimesthatmorning;whereas,ifhehadgonetotheAngelashehadlongedtodo,herfatherneverwouldhavegivenhimasecondthought.

           Onthestreethedrewadeepbreath.Howhadheacquittedhimself?Heonlyknewthathehadliveduptohisbestimpulse,andthatisallanyonecando.