The forest all about was littered with the fallen and dead wood of preceding years, and in a few moments he gathered up an armful, with which he returned to the house.

Then he brought in dry leaves, and heaped leaves and wood together in the chimney-place.

He glanced at Paul and saw him trembling.

As if by chance he touched his comrade's hand, and it felt ice-cold.

But he did not depart one jot from his cheerful manner, all his words showing confidence.
"Now, Paul," he said, "In less than a minute you'll see burning before you the finest, warmest, glowingest and most comfortable fire in all the West." Paul's eyes glistened.
Henry drew forth flint and steel, and with a few strokes sent out the vivifying spark.