ld remain near the cabin, both for its
protection from Indians who might steal, and to trade with those who
passed. Thus, while Ree would be spending a day with his axe clearing the
land near their home, John would be miles away, perhaps, rifle in hand,
eyes and ears alert.

The next day, perhaps, Ree would have his turn at hunting. Every day,
too, they visited their traps to secure any creatures which had been
captured and to reset the snares or change their location. Wood for the
fire must be gathered, also, and it was wonderful how great a quantity of
fuel the big fire-place consumed; and pine knots from the rocky ravine
farther up the river, or hickory bark from the hillsides in the opposite
direction, must be secured every few days to afford light for the
evenings. There were also furs to be cured, and much else to be done, all
uniting to make the short winter days very busy ones, and to keep the
long winter evenings from being tedious.

Night was the favorite time for baking and for the preparation of such
dishes as they thought they would most enjoy. Many were the feasts the
young friends had, though their stock of supplies included little besides
meal and fresh meat. At first they had occasionally secured beans and
squashes from the Indians, but the improvident savages soon exhausted
their supplies and were themselves dependent on corn and game.

December had gone and January was well under way when there came a great
snow storm, which, at the end of a week left drifts piled high in all
directions. The snow was soft and light but so deep that it was well nigh
impossible for one to make his way through it, and Ree and John quickly
agreed to occupy themselves with work in and near the cabin. They set
about adding new conveniences to their home, such as shelves and
cupboards, pegs, etc. They hewed and whittled out long, thin hickory
slats, which they placed lengthwise on the rough bedstead they had built
in one corner, and found them so springy and comfortable to sleep upon,
when a couple of skins and a blanket had been spread over them, that they
were sorry they had not sooner thought of this improvement.

John made a broom of hickory splints which did its work to perfection,
and Ree sharpened up his knife and carved from a whitewood block several
plates and trays to add to their meager collection of dishes. Both boys
improved the opportunity also, while shut in, to give their wardrobes
attention, making themse