“Of course you will, if you make up your mind to do it,” said the Angel.  “But if you are determined you won’t, and set yourself to breathing deep and strong, and hang on to me tight, I can get you out.  Really you must, Freckles, no matter how it hurts, for you did this for me, and now I must save you, so you might as well promise.”

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.

The Angel sprang to her feet.

“Then that’s all right,” she said, with a tinge of her old-time briskness.  “You just keep breathing away like a steam engine, and I will do all the remainder.”

The eager men gathered around her.

“It’s going to be a tough pull to get Freckles out,” she said, “but it’s our only chance, so listen closely and don’t for the lives of you fail me in doing quickly what I tell you.  There’s no time to spend falling down over each other; we must have some system.  You four there get on those wagon horses and ride to the sleeping-tent.  Get the stoutest cot, a couple of comforts, and a pillow.  Ride back with them some way to save time.  If you meet any other men of the gang, send them here to help carry the cot.  We won’t risk the jolt of driving with him.  The others clear a path out to the road; and Mr. McLean, you take Nellie and ride to town.  Tell my father how Freckles is hurt and that he risked it to save me.  Tell him I’m going to take Freckles to Chicago on the noon train, and I want him to hold it if we are a little late.  If he can’t, then have a special ready at the station and another on the Pittsburgh at Fort Wayne, so we can go straight through.  You needn’t mind leaving us.  The Bird Woman will be here soon.  We will rest awhile.”

She dropped into the muck beside Freckles and began stroking his hair and hand.  He lay with his face of agony turned to hers, and fought to smother the groans that would tell her what he was suffering.