I collected some dry chips and branches and prepared to kindle a fire.

As I bent over the heap of sticks and chips I heard the sound of horses' hoofs in the woods near by.
I was surprised and annoyed.

The principal charm of Seabury Pond was that so few people visited it.

Also fewer still knew how good the fishing was there.

I was not more than ordinarily selfish, but I did not care to have the place overrun with excursionists from the city, who had no scruples as to number and size of fish caught and would ruin the sport as they had ruined it at other and better known ponds.