If I lave them alone, they cling to the grasses, shivering happy like; and I'm blest, Mother Duncan, if the best of them could be unlocking the front door with a lead pencil, even." "I never heard of anything sae surprising," said Mrs.Duncan.
"It's a rare sight to watch them, and no one ever made a picture of a thing like that before, I'm for thinking," said Freckles earnestly.
"Na," said Mrs.Duncan.

"Ye can be pretty sure there didna.

The Bird Woman must have word in some way, if ye walk the line and I walk to town and tell her.

If ye think ye can wait until after supper, I am most sure ye can gang yoursel', for Duncan is coming home and he'd be glad to watch for ye.

If he does na come, and na ane passes that I can send word with today, I really will gang early in the morning and tell her mysel'." Freckles took his lunch and went to the swamp.