Page 229 - A Jacobite Exile

"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."

"I 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 uneasiness
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 tinderboxes 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 three feet higher than

that on which the fire had been lighted, and, ere long, a sensation of genial
warmth began to steal over them. Fresh sticks were lighted as the first were

consumed, and before long the trunk, where the flames played on it, began
to glow. Light tongues of flame rose higher and higher, until the trunk was
alight ten or twelve feet up.

"The wolves are all gone," Charlie said, looking down.