which is not necessary, however, we
can provide a paint that will be very serviceable."

"Then why not use the madder dye which we made for dyeing the flag?"

"Just the thing. In addition we must have a dryer of some kind. I
suggest that we distil some of the rosin, or the sap from the pitch pine
trees, for that purpose."

"What kind of product shall we obtain from that?"

"Turpentine."

Thus day after day passed in preparation, each hour, almost, suggesting
some new addition to their stock, which would contribute to protection,
comfort, or necessity. Among other things suggested, in order to relieve
them as much as possible from carrying such a large burden in the way of
provisions, was the making of synthetic foods.

George had this in mind for some days before he broached the subject to
the Professor. "I understood you to say that if we had synthetic foods
we could carry several weeks' rations about our persons, and the load
would not be a heavy or perceptible one at that? If such is the case,
why can't we prepare some of the food in that way as a matter of
precaution? What is the meaning of the word 'synthetic,' and how is such
food made?"

"The word is the direct opposite of 'analyses.' In analyzing, the
elements composing any substance are separated from each other. In
synthesis the different elements are put together to form the substance.
Thus, take water as an illustration: Its component parts are two parts
of hydrogen and one of oxygen. Knowing this to be the case, the chemist
takes that many parts of oxygen and hydrogen, and by uniting them water
is formed which is just as much a true water as though it fell from the
heavens or was taken from a well or spring."

We should not go far out of the way in stating that the Professor was
putting in some time in this direction, while the other work was going
on, and this was confirmed later on when he requested Harry to furnish a
number of small tubes like those used for the powder, and it was noticed
that a quantity of bamboo was taken to the laboratory and cut up into
short sections.

The guns and ammunition were now ready, a supply of food had been
prepared, and George insisted on baking a quantity of barley bread,
which was carefully wrapped up, so that it would not be dried out or be
liable to get wet. The wagon was admirably adapted for the purpose. The
wheels were not extraordinarily large, but they had wide treads, and the
body was high at the side