“This is what we call a pond-filler, Dave. As soon as all the ponds fill up it will git colder, mark what I tell ye.”
Barringford’s prediction was correct. The rain came down until all the ponds and streams were overflowing and then the storm came to an end. A week after this came a flurry of snow, followed by a high wind which blew down several old trees in that vicinity.
“Winter’s coming now,” said more than one, and the officers lost no time in giving the soldiers directions for going into winter quarters. It was felt by all that military operations must, for the time being, come to an end.
At first Dave had thought to return home for the winter. But Barringford did not care to make another trip to Wills’ Creek and the young soldier was not in the humor to go alone or in the company of strangers.
“Might as well settle down right here,” said Barringford. “We can fix ourselves a putty comfortable hut, and there will be sure to be plenty o’ huntin’ and fishin’ for whomsoever wants it.”
Many of the soldiers were quartered in the fort and in the trading-posts scattered about, but there was not room for all, and the others had to build themselves shelters of boards and canvas. Barringford, Raymond, and Dave formed a party by themselves, and it was not long before the trio completed a shelter of which they were justly proud.
The hut was about twelve feet square, of rough logs and tree branches, interlaced with willow withes. On one corner were several rocks and an opening, where they could build a camp-fire, if they wished, and three couches of cedar branches were also provided, filling the air of the shelter with a sweet and wholesome smell.
“Now we are about fixed fer the winter,” said Barringford. “When the snow comes, we can bank some up against the sides, to keep out the wind, and then we’ll be as snug as bugs under a hearthstone.”
“I don’t believe provisions will be any too plentiful, with so many of the soldiers coming in from Fort Niagara and other points,” said Raymond. “But as we are all good shots, and know something about fishing through holes in the ice, we ought not to go hungry.”
It was not long after the shelter was completed that winter came upon them in earnest. One evening a light snow began to fall and in the morning it was snowing more heavily than ever. This kept up for two days and nights, leaving the ground covered to the depth of a foot and a half.