He was a little tired and his head was
rather stupid, for he had not been able to sleep as he had hoped, but he
was very happy. Although he watched until his eyes ached, he could see
no sign of anyone having entered the swamp.
He called a cheery greeting to all his chickens. At Sleepy Snake Creek
he almost fell from his wheel with surprise: the saw-bird was surrounded
by four lanky youngsters clamoring for breakfast. The father was
strutting with all the importance of a drum major.
"No use to expect the Bird Woman today," said Freckles; "but now
wouldn't she be jumping for a chance at that?"
As soon as Freckles was far down the east line, the watch was posted
below the room on the west to report his coming. It was only a few
moments before the signal came. Then the saw stopped, and the rope was
brought out and uncoiled close to a sapling. Wessner and Black Jack
crowded to the very edge of the swamp a little above the wire, and
crouched, waiting.
They heard Freckles before they saw him. He came gliding down the line
swiftly, and as he rode he was singing softly:
"Oh, do you love,
Oh, say you love----"
He got no farther.
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