TREED BY WOLVES 233

crawl out towards the ends of the branches as far as we can
get, and break off twigs and small boughs. If we can’t get
enough, we can cut chips off, and we will pile them all
where these three big boughs branch off from the trunk.
We have both our tinder-boxes with us, and I see no reason
why we should not be able to light a fire up here.”

“So we might,” Stanislas said eagerly. “But if we did
we might set the whole tree on fire.”

“No bad thing either,” Charlie rejoined. “You may
be sure the fire will keep the wolves at a respectful
distance, and we could get down and enjoy the heat
without fear.”’

“T believe your idea will save our lives, sir; ten
minutes ago I would not have given a crown for our
chances.’?

‘They at once crawled out upon two of the great branches,
and a renewed chorus of snarls from below showed that
their foes were watchful. The snapping of the small
branches excited a certain amount of unéasiness among
them, and they drew off a short distance. In ten minutes
Charlie and his companion worked themselves back to the
main trunk, each carrying an armful of twigs. ‘They first
cut off a number of small dry chips and made a pile of
these at the junction of one of the branches with the trunk.
‘They then got out their tinder-boxes and bunches of rags,
shook a few grains of powder from one of the horns among
the chips, and then got the tinder alight. A shred of rag
that had been rubbed with damp powder was applied to the
spark and then placed among the shavings; a flash of light
sprang up, followed by a steady blaze, as the dried chips
caught. One by one at first, and then, as the fire gained
strength, several sticks at a time were laid over the burning
splinters, and in five minutes a large fire was blazing.
Charlie and his companion took their seats where the other
two big branches shot out from the trunk, these were two or