He wanted to be ready to meet every device that Wessner and Black Jack could think of to outwit him.

He recognized their double leverage, for if they succeeded in felling even one tree McLean became liable for his wager.
Freckles' brow wrinkled in his effort to think deeply and strongly, but from every swaying wild rose the Angel beckoned to him.

When he crossed Sleepy Snake Creek and the goldfinch, waiting as ever, challenged: "SEE ME ?" Freckles saw the dainty swaying grace of the Angel instead.

What is a man to do with an Angel who dismembers herself and scatters over a whole swamp, thrusting a vivid reminder upon him at every turn?
Freckles counted the days.

This first one he could do little but test his wires, sing broken snatches, and dream; but before the week would bring her again he could do many things.