“What is it?” persisted Bert. “More fishing?”
“No. You’ve had enough of that for one day, I should judge by the looks of your face. It’ll peel in a day or two.”
“I can stand it to have a layer or two drop off. But what is it you and Ethan are going to do to-morrow?”
“Sufficient unto the day is the question thereof,” answered Jock. “I shan’t tell you, Bert. It’s to be a surprise.”
“Come up here, you fellows,” called Bob from the bank. “We want your valuable assistance. My little body is aweary.”
“Since when?” called Jock, as he and his companions started back to camp.
“Since I’ve been trying to roll these logs into position. Lend a hand, you two. I’m not equal to the task.”
The boys all began to labor now, and soon had a great pile of logs in the fireplace in front of the camp, under these some kindlings were placed, and as soon as all things were in readiness, Bob took a match and started a fire. The flames were soon leaping into the air and cast their beams far out over the river. The boys then threw themselves upon the ground in front of the blazing logs, and for a time no one spoke.
The fire roared, and the flames leaped higher into the air. All about them it was as light as day, and the scene was indescribably weird. The great river swept onward in its course, and its waters reflected the light of the blazing camp-fire. The branches of the tall trees in the rear of the camp swayed before the night wind, and increased the wildness of the scene. Bats could be seen circling about in the air, as if they were startled and confused by the strange light. Across the water came the faint and indistinct sounds of a party of young people out for an evening sail. Altogether the experience was so novel that the boys were all impressed by it, but it was impossible for them long to remain silent, and Bob was the first to speak.
“I’ve been thinking about the history of Goose Bay. It is an historical spot, you know, boys, just as Ethan said it was.”