Веснянки

           “Trytogetup,”hebegged.

           McLeanlaidholdoftheAngelandhelpedhertoherfeet.

           “Doyouthinkanybonesarebroken?”gaspedFreckles.

           TheAngelshookherheadandwipedmuck.

           “Youseeifyoucanfindany,sir,”Frecklescommanded.

           TheAngelyieldedherselftoMcLean’stouch,andheassuredFrecklesthatshewasnotseriouslyinjured.

           Frecklessettledback,asmileofineffabletendernessonhisface.

           “ThanktheLord!”hehoarselywhispered.

           TheAngelleanedtowardhim.

           “Now,Freckles,you!”shecried.“It’syourturn.Pleasegetup!”

           ApitifulspasmsweptFreckles’face.ThesightofitwashedeveryvestigeofcolorfromtheAngel’s.Shetookholdofhishands.

           “Freckles,getup!”Itwashalfcommand,halfentreaty.

           “Easy,Angel,easy!Letmerestabitfirst!”imploredFreckles.

           Shekneltbesidehim.Hereachedhisarmaroundheranddrewherclosely.HelookedatMcLeaninanagonyofentreatythatbroughttheBosstohiskneesontheotherside.

           “Oh,Freckles!”McLeancried.“Notthat!Surelywecandosomething!Wemust!Letmesee!”

           HetriedtounfastenFreckles’neckband,buthisfingersshooksoclumsilythattheAngelpushedthemawayandherselflaidFreckles’chestbare.Withonehastyglanceshegatheredtheclothingtogetherandslippedherarmunderhishead.Frecklesliftedhiseyesofagonytohers.

           “Yousee?”hesaid.

           TheAngelnoddeddumbly.

           FrecklesturnedtoMcLean.

           “Thankyouforeverything,”hepanted.“Wherearetheboys?”

           “Theyareallhere,”saidtheBoss,“exceptacouplewhohavegonefordoctors,Mrs.