“I thought I’d try it off those rocks down on the point there,” said George. “That looks like a likely spot.”
“While you’re fishing I’ll cut some balsam boughs and make four beds in the tent,” said John.
“And I’ll get a place ready to make a fire in,” said Grant. “That’ll take a little time.”
“How about you, Fred?” demanded George. “It looks as if you were about the only loafer in the whole crowd.”
“I’ll help String cut balsam.”
“Very good,” said George haughtily. “You may go now.”
“I’ll put you in the lake if you’re not more careful,” said John threateningly, but he laughed in spite of himself.
A few moments later every boy was busied with his appointed task. George, armed with his fishing rod, made off for the end of the little wooded island. John and Fred disappeared in search of balsam boughs, while Grant remained behind to make a fireplace. This was an interesting piece of work, the secret of which he had learned from a guide some few summers before during a sojourn in the woods.
First he selected eight or ten rocks as nearly the size and shape of cobblestones as he could find. These he placed on the ground in two parallel rows some twelve inches apart. Both little stone walls thus formed he endeavored to make as nearly the same height as possible and before long his fireplace was complete. Between the two rows of stones the fire was to be made; pots and pans could thus be set over the fire and rest upon the rocks which formed the walls of the fireplace; in this way they could be kept from actual contact with the coals and at the same time most of the heat from the fire was concentrated upon them.
This is a very efficient method of making a camp-fire as Grant had learned from previous experience. Of course, in the case of a temporary camp or unless there are plenty of rocks close at hand, it is hardly worth while and it is not the kind of a fire that campers like to sit around in the evening. As a cooking fire, however, it is one of the best.