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 Robert, "we'd better gather more wood, build our wall
higher and save ample fuel for the fire."

The other two found the suggestion good, and all three acted upon
it promptly, ranging through the forest about them in search of
brushwood, which they brought back in great quantities. Robert's blood
began to tingle with the activity, and his spirits rose. Now the snow,