Веснянки

           Sheseveredthestems,tossedtheknifetoFreckles,andwalkingtoJack,laidtheflowersoverhisheart.

           Frecklesbrokeintoasweatofagony.Hehadsaidshewouldbesafeinaherdofhowlingsavages.Wouldshe?IfBlackJackevenmadeamotiontowardtouchingher,Frecklesknewthatfromsomewherehewouldmusterthestrengthtokillhim.Hementallymeasuredthedistancetowherehisclublayandsethismusclesforaspring.Butno—bythesplendorofGod!Thebigfellowwasbaringhisheadwithahandthatwasunsteady.TheAngelpulledoneofthelongsilverpinsfromherhatandfastenedherflowerssecurely.

           Freckleswasquaking.Whatwastocomenext?Whatwassheplanning,andoh!didsheunderstandthedangerofherpresenceamongthosemen;therealnecessityforaction?

           AstheAngelsteppedfromJack,sheturnedherheadtoonesideandpeeredathim,quiteasFreckleshadseenthelittleyellowfellowdoonthelineahundredtimes,andsaid:“Well,thatdoesthetrick!Isn’tthatfine?Seehowitsetshimoff,boys?Don’tyouforgetthetieistobered,andthefirstridesoon.Ican’twaitverylong.NowImustgo.TheBirdWomanwillbereadytostart,andshewillcomeherehuntingmenext,forsheisbusytoday.WhatdidIcomehereforanyway?”

           Sheglancedinquiringlyaround,andseveralofthemenlaughed.Oh,thedelightofit!Shehadforgottenhererrandforhim!Jackhadasecondincreaseinheight.TheAngelglancedhelplesslyasifseekingaclue.