The Angel gave Duncan one panic-stricken
look. Then she set her lips and gathered her forces again.
"I guess that's a good thing," she said. "Maybe he won't feel how we are
hurting him. Oh boys, are you being quick and gentle?"
She stepped to the side of the cot and bathed Freckles' face. Taking his
hand in hers, she gave the word to start. She told the men to ask every
able-bodied man they met to join them so that they could change carriers
often and make good time.
The Bird Woman insisted upon taking the Angel into the carriage and
following the cot, but she refused to leave Freckles, and suggested
that the Bird Woman drive ahead, pack them some clothing, and be at the
station ready to accompany them to Chicago. All the way the Angel walked
beside the cot, shading Freckles' face with a branch, and holding his
hand. At every pause to change carriers she moistened his face and lips
and watched each breath with heart-breaking anxiety.
She scarcely knew when her father joined them, and taking the branch
from her, slipped an arm around her waist and almost carried her.
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