"There's plenty of wood hereabouts, I see," put in Harry, "so I'll gather some wood for a fire and have it burned down to coals in no time."
"I rather think," objected Ned, "that we should not use wood."
"And why not, if you please, Mr. Scout Master?" asked Harry.
"Because wood lying on the ground has more or less dampness in it and is apt to give off a smoke that might be seen by some one."
"Always on the lookout for trouble!" declared Jack, as he took the bucket and started for the brook. "Well, make a fire of any thing."
"Quite the contrary, Jack, as you know," protested Ned, laughingly. "I'm only trying to avoid trouble as much as possible, and a smoke now in this place would be a direct invitation to some one to investigate."
"Right again," returned Jack, "go to the head of the class."
"What shall I use, then, if not wood?" asked Harry.
"Make a gasoline stove like we used to do when we had plenty of fuel," answered Ned. "We have sufficient so we can spare a small amount."
"Perhaps you'd better make the stove, Ned," said Harry. "You're better at it than I am. You've had more experience. I'll get the supplies out of the boxes. We'll want coffee, of course."