Веснянки
Chapter II
ThenhewasfrightenedworsethaneverforfearitmighthavebeenDuncan’scollie.
Thefirstafternoonthathefoundhiswiresdown,andhewascompelledtoplungekneedeepintotheblackswamp-mucktorestringthem,hebecamesoillfromfearandnervousnessthathescarcelycouldcontrolhisshakinghandtodothework.Witheverystep,hefeltthathewouldmisssecurefootingandbeswallowedinthatclingingseaofblackness.Indumbagonyheplungedforward,clingingtothepostsandtreesuntilhehadfinishedrestringingandtestingthewire.Hehadconsumedmuchtime.Nightclosedin.TheLimberloststirredgently,thenshookherself,growled,andawokearoundhim.
Thereseemedtobeagreatowlhootingfromeveryhollowtree,andalittleonescreechingfromeveryknothole.Thebellowingofbigbullfrogswasnotsufficientlydeafeningtoshutoutthewailingofwhip-poor-willsthatseemedtocomefromeverybush.Nighthawkssweptpasthimwiththeirshiveringcry,andbatsstruckhisface.Aprowlingwildcatmisseditscatchandscreamedwithrage.Astrayingfoxbayedincessantlyforitsmate.
ThehaironthebackofFreckles’neckaroseasbristles,andhiskneeswaveredbeneathhim.Hecouldnotseewhetherthedreadedsnakeswereonthetrail,or,inthepandemonium,heartherattleforwhichMcLeanhadcautionedhimtolisten.Hestoodmotionlessinanagonyoffear.Hisbreathwhistledbetweenhisteeth.Theperspirationrandownhisfaceandbodyinlittlestreams.
