Веснянки
Chapter III
Idon’tknowbutitwouldbeagoodideatotryhimonthegang,sir.”
McLeanlaughed.“Thosemustbeblueherons,Freckles,”hesaid.“Anditdoesn’tseempossible,butyourdescriptionofthebigblackbirdssoundslikegenuineblackvultures.TheyarecommonenoughintheSouth.I’veseenthemnumerousaroundthelumbercampsofGeorgia,butIneverbeforeheardofanythisfarnorth.Theymustbestrays.YouhavedescribedperfectlyournearestequivalenttoabranchofthesebirdscalledinEuropePharaoh’sChickens,butiftheyarecomingtotheLimberlosttheywillhavetodropPharaohandbecomeFreckles’Chickens,liketheremainderofthebirds;won’tthey?Oraretheytoooddanduglytointerestyou?”
“Oh,notatall,atall!”criedFreckles,burstingintopurebrogueinhishaste.“Idon’tknowasI’dbecallingthemexactlypretty,andtheydomovelikearocking-horseloping,buttheyaresobigandfearless.Theyhaveafinecolorforblackbirds,andtheirfeetandbeaksseemsostrong.Youneversawanythingsokeenastheireyes!Andfly?Why,justthink,sir,theymustbeflyingmilesstraightup,fortheywereoutofsightcompletelywhenthefeatherfell.Idon’tsupposeI’veachickenintheswampthatcangoascloseheavenasthosebig,blackfellows,andthen——”
Freckles’voicedraggedandhehesitated.
“Thenwhat?”interestedlyurgedMcLean.
“Hewaslovingherso,”answeredFrecklesinahushedvoice.“Iknowitlookedawfulfunny,andIlaughedandtoldonhim,butifI’dtakentimetothinkIdon’tbelieveI’dhavedoneit.
