"
She bent over him, trying to smile encouragement with her fear-stiffened
lips.
"You will promise, Freckles?"
Big drops of cold sweat ran together on Freckles' temples.
"Angel, darlin' Angel," he pleaded, taking her hand in his. "You ain't
understanding, and I can't for the life of me be telling you, but
indade, it's best to be letting me go. This is my chance. Please say
good-bye, and let me slip off quick!"
He appealed to McLean.
"Dear Boss, you know! You be telling her that, for me, living is far
worse pain than dying. Tell her you know death is the best thing that
could ever be happening to me!"
"Merciful Heaven!" burst in the Angel. "I can't endure this delay!"
She caught Freckles' hand to her breast, and bending over him, looked
deeply into his stricken eyes.
"'Angel, I give you my word of honor that I will keep right on
breathing.' That's what you are going to promise me," she said. "Do you
say it?"
Freckles hesitated.
"Freckles!" imploringly commanded the Angel, "YOU DO SAY IT!"
"Yis," gasped Freckles.
Pages:
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338