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Show FISHERMAN'S LUCK stream, for there they are likely to be water-soaked; but go back into the woods a bit and gather a good armful of fuel. Then break it, if you can, into lengths of about two feet, and construct your fire in the following fashion. Lay two sticks parallel, and put between them n pile of dried grass, dead leaves, small twigs, and the paper in which your lunch was wrapped. Then lay two other sticks crosswise on top of your first pair. Strike your match and touch your kindlings. As the fire catches, lay on other pairs of sticks, each pair crosswise to the pair that is below it, until you have a pyramid of flame. This is "a Micmac fire" such as the Indians make in the woods. Now you can pull off your wading-boots and wann your feet at the blaze. You can toast your bread if you like. You can even make shift to broil one of your trout, fastened on the end of a birch twig if you have a fancy that way. When your hunger is satisfied, you shake out the crumbs for the birds and the squirrels, pick up a stick with a coal at the end to light your pipe, put some more wood on your fire, and settle down for an hour's reading !'.!64 THE OPEN FIRE if you have a book in your pocket, or for a good talk if you have a comrade with you. The stream of time flows swift and smooth, by such a fire as this. The moments slip pnst unheeded; the sun sinks down his western arch; the shadows begin to fall across the brook; it is time to move on for the afternoon fishing. The fire has almost burned out. But do not trust it too much. Throw some sand over it, or bring a hatful of water from the brook to pour on it, until you are sure that the last glowing ember is extinguished, and nothing but the black coals and the charred ends of the sticks are left. Even the little friendship-fire must keep the law of the bush. All lights out when their purpose is fulfilled! VI ALTARS OF REl\IEMBRANCE It is a question that we have often debated, in the info1111al meetings of our Petrine Club: Which is pleasanter,-to fish an old stream, or a new one? !'.!65 |
