It's snowin' now, colonel, an' ef it gits a little warmer it'll turn to rain, an' it kin rain pow'ful hard in these mountings." "Thank you for calling my attention to it, Mr.Reed.

I can't afford to have the troops soaked by winter rains.

Not knowing what we had to expect in the mountains I fortunately ordered about twenty of my own men to bring axes at their saddlebows.

We'll put 'em all at work." In a few minutes thirty good axmen were cutting down trees, saplings and bushes, and more than a hundred others were strengthening the lean-tos, thatching roofs, and making rude but serviceable floors.

Dick, owing to his slight wound, but much against his wish, was ordered into the house, where he spread his blankets near a window, although he could not yet sleep, all the heat of the battle and pursuit not yet having left him.
His nerves still tingling with excitement, he stood at the window and looked out.
He saw the great fire blazing and many persons passing and repassing before the red glow.