His companion set to work at the task allotted, but made slow progress, affirming that he had become so chilly he was benumbed all over.
Will saw with consternation the same drowsy apathy steal over him that had overtaken Tom.
He himself was beginning to experience a terrible change in the temperature.
It was dark now, and the closing day heralded the coming of intense cold for the night.
He piled together the shavings, wet and ice-clogged, and found a match in his pocket.
The pile took fire slowly, first the shavings and then the large pieces of wood.
He made Willis and Tom sit down within the shelter of the cave, and almost directly over the fire.
“It will blaze up in a minute, boys,” he said, “and we shall have some heat.”
“But it won’t last an hour,” remarked Tom, wearily.
“That is why you must arouse yourselves; get thoroughly warmed through and rested.”