"There's one thing sure," said Nick, when he found himself able to speak with some degree of comfort.
"What is that?" asked his sister.
"This will gradually get better and better."
"I don't see how it can get any worse," was the truthful answer of Nellie, who felt as though she had stood all she could bear.
Since the danger of being caught in the flames was gone, the two were at liberty to venture in any direction they chose.
"We'll make the start, any way!" said Nick, with his old resolution of manner; "keep close to me, and, if you see any new bears, don't run into the woods to hide without saying something to me."