"I'm thinkin' what a snug place that alcove would be when the snow an' hail were drivin' down the creek in front of you." "An' ez fur me," said Long Jim Hart, "I wuz thinkin' I could run a sort uv flue from the back part uv that alcove out through the front an' let the smoke pass out.

I could cook all right.

It wouldn't be ez good a place fur cookin' ez the one we hed that time we spent the winter on the island in the lake, but 'twould serve." "It's strange," said Henry, "but I've been thinking of all the things that all four of you have been thinking about, and, since we are agreed, we are bound to go straight to 'The Alcove' and pass the winter there." Without another word he led the way, and the others followed.

It was apparent to everyone that they must soon find a winter base, because the cold had increased greatly in the last few days.

The last leaves had fallen from the trees, and a searching wind howled among the bare branches.