said Robert, whose spirits had
returned in full tide. "You needn't believe you and Tayoga have all
of 'em. I don't believe either of you would have ever thought of this
fine wooden wall. In truth, Dave, I don't know what would become of
you and Tayoga if you didn't have me along with you most all the
time! How good the fire feels! The warmth touches my fingers and goes
stealing up my arms and into my body! It reaches my face too and
goes stealing down to meet the fine heat that makes a channel of my
fingers! A glorious fire, Tayoga! I tell you, a glorious fire, Dave!
The finest fire that's burning anywhere in the world!"

"The quality of a fire depends on the service it gives," said the
hunter.

"Dagaeoga has many words when he is happy," said the Onondaga. "His
tongue runs on like the pleasant murmur of a brook, but he does it
because Manitou made him that way. The world must have talkers as
well as doers, and it can be said for Lennox that he acts as well as
talks."

"Thanks, I'm glad you put in the saving clause," laughed Robert. "But
it's a mighty good thing we built our wooden wall. That wind would cut
to the bone if it could get at you."

"The wind at least will keep the warriors away," said Tayoga. "They
will all stay close in the camp on such a night."

"And no blame to them," murmured the hunter. "If we weren't in the
Indian country I'd build our own fire five times as big. Now, Robert,
suppose you go to sleep."

"I can't, Dave. You know I slept all the morning, but I'm not
suffering from dullness. I'm imagining things. I'm imagining how much
worse off we'd be if we didn't have flint and steel. I can always find
pleasure in making such contrasts."

But he crouched down lower against the cliff, drew his blanket closer
and spread both hands over the fire, which had now died down into a
glowing mass of coals. He was wondering what they would do on the
morrow, when their food was exhausted. They had not only the storm to
fight, but possible starvation in the days to come. He foresaw that
instead of discovering all the plans of the enemy they would have a
struggle merely to live.

"Areskoui must truly be against us, Tayoga," he said. "Who would have
predicted such a storm so early in the season?"

"We are several thousand feet above the sea level," said Willet, "and
that will account for the violent change. I think the wind and snow
will last all tonight, and probably all tomorrow."

"Then," said Robe