He had told her it would be ready that morning, and she had said she surely would be there.

Why, of all mornings, was she late on this?
McLean had ridden to town.

If he had been there, Freckles would have asked that they delay the felling, but he scarcely liked to ask the gang.

He really had no authority, although he thought the men would wait; but some way he found such embarrassment in framing the request that he waited until the work was practically ended.

The saw was out, and the men were cutting into the felling side of the tree when the Boss rode in.
His first word was to inquire for the Angel.