Beyond it the cookee had built a little camp fire, around and over which he had grouped big fifty-pound lard-tins, half full of hot things to eat.

Each man, as he approached, picked up a tin plate and cup from a pile near at hand.
The cookee was plainly master of the situation.

He issued peremptory orders.

When Erickson, the blonde Swede, attempted surreptitiously to appropriate a doughnut, the youth turned on him savagely.
"Get out of that, you big tow-head!" he cried with an oath.
A dozen Canada jays, fluffy, impatient, perched near by or made little short circles over and back.

They awaited the remains of the dinner.