Веснянки

           Itbelongstoasetsheisgoingtohavebound.That’soneofthereasonsweputitunderthebox.Youbesuretogetthemasyougohometonight,forfearitrainsorbecomesdampwiththeheavydews.”

           “Allright,”saidFreckles,butitwasinavoicethatheneverhadheardbefore.

           ThentheAngelturnedandsentapartingglanceatJack.Shewasoverpoweringlyhumanandbewitchinglylovely.

           “Youwon’tforgetthatrideandtheredtie,”shehalfasserted,halfquestioned.

           Jacksuccumbed.Freckleswashiscaptive,buthewastheAngel’s,soulandbody.Hisfaceworetheholiestlookiteverhadknownashesoftlyre-echoedFreckles’“Allright.”Withherheadheldwellup,theAngelwalkedslowlyaway,andJackturnedtothemen.

           “Dropyourdamnedstaringandsawwood,”heshouted.“Don’tyouknowanythingatallabouthowtotreatalady?”ItmighthavebeenaquestionwhichofthecroniesthatcrouchedovergreenwoodfiresinthecabinsofWildcatHollow,eternallysuckingacorncobpipeandstirringtheendlesskettlesofstewingcoonandopossum,hadtaughthimtodoevenaswellashehadbytheAngel.

           Themenmutteredandthreatenedamongthemselves,buttheybeganworkingdesperately.SomeonesuggestedthatamanbesenttofollowtheAngelandtowatchherandtheBirdWomanleavetheswamp.Freckles’heartsankwithinhim,butJackwasinadeliriumandpastallcaution.

           “Yes,”hesneered.“Mebbyallofyouhadbettergiveoveronthesawandrunafterthegirl.Iguessnot!SeemstomeIgotthefavors.