ws the height of her better than me. Nobody's
studied my depths closer. There's no bridge for the great distance
between us, sir, and clearest of all, I'm for realizing it: but she
risked terrible things when she came to me among that gang of thieves.
She wore herself past bearing to save me from such an easy thing as
death! Now, here's me, a man, a big, strong man, and letting her live
under that fearful oath, so worse than any death 'twould be for her, and
lifting not a finger to save her. I cannot hear it, sir. It's killing me
by inches! Black Jack's hand may not have been hurt so bad. Any hour he
may be creeping up behind her! Any minute the awful revenge he swore
to be taking may in some way fall on her, and I haven't even warned her
father. I can't stay here doing nothing another hour. The five nights
gone I've watched under her windows, but there's the whole of the day.
She's her own horse and little cart, and's free to be driving through
the town and country as she pleases. If any evil comes to her through
Black Jack, it comes from her angel-like goodness to me. Somewhere he's
hiding! Somewhere he is waiting his chance! Somewhere he is reaching out
for her! I tell you I cannot, I dare not be bearing it longer!"

"Freckles, be quiet!" said McLean, his eyes humid and his voice
quivering with the pity of it all. "Believe me, I did not understand.
I know the Angel's father well. I will go to him at once. I have
transacted business with him for the past three years. I will make him
see! I am only beginning to realize your agony, and the real danger
there is for the Angel. Believe me, I will see that she is fully
protected every hour of the day and night until Jack is located and
disposed of. And I promise you further, that if I fail to move her
father or make him understand the danger, I will maintain a guard over
her until Jack is caught. Now will you go bathe, drink some milk, go to
bed, and sleep for hours, and then be my brave, bright old boy again?"

"Yis," said Freckles simply.

But McLean could see the flesh was twitching on the lad's bones.

"What was it the guard brought there?" McLean asked in an effort to
distract Freckles' thoughts.

"Oh!" Freckles said, glancing where the Boss pointed, "I forgot it! 'Tis
an otter, and fine past believing, for this warm weather. I shot it at
the creek this morning. 'Twas a good shot, considering. I expected to
miss."

Freckles picked up the animal and started toward