n this instance.

Carried on and on by the manifold reflections and absorbing interest
attached to my theme, I was surprised to observe that the sun had
declined far down the western horizon. Rising to my feet with some
difficulty, for the unwonted exertions of the day had created a
stiffness of the limbs, I said, in effect, this:

"And now, Young Nuts of America--for here in the remote depths of the
woods, far remote from any human habitation, I feel that I may apply to
one and all the secret appellation we chose for our private
communions--now, my Young Nuts, playtime is over and worktime has come.
See, the hour of evening draws on apace. Night impends, or will
indubitably do so shortly. In anticipation of our first night spent
beneath the starry stars, with only Heaven's blue vault for a canopy,
let us forget the petty annoyances which have in a measure marred our
first day. Did I say marred? No; not that--for these things should be
but object lessons teaching us to profit by them, to perfect ourselves
in woodcraft. So let us be merry, care-free and bright.

"If you will but replenish our camp fire I, for my part, shall take one
of these plump wild fowl, or woodcock, which have fallen before the
prowess of our doughty huntsman and fellow member, Master Pope, and,
without the use of pot or pan, shall prepare for you a true wildwood
dish, of the most delicious and delicate character imaginable. So, fall
to, Young Nuts of America--fall to with a will--and that right gladly!"

Leaving them to their employment, I repaired to the shore of the lake
and, after mastering a somewhat natural repugnance, I made with my hands
a mortar or paste of thick clay, in which I encased the black woodcock.
Try as I might, though, I could not give to the object thus treated a
graceful or finished appearance. Finally, despairing of producing in it
an outward semblance of tidiness, I returned to the camp fire, placed
the completed product in the heart of the flames, and retired a few feet
to await its completion.

In twenty minutes I judged the food should be quite done, but retaining
withal its natural savours and juices: so at the expiration of that
time, by using a stick I drew it forth from its fiery bed and, when the
mass had sufficiently cooled, broke away the earthen covering, while
about me my young compatriots clustered in eager anticipation.

For the reader's sake, and for my own as well, I shall pass hurriedly
over the denoue