"The old atavistic fear of the dark and the mysterious dangers that threatened our savage ancestors?
Or is it an instinctive knowledge that there are supernatural powers, able to punish and reward ?" "I don't know," said Thirlwell, who mused and watched the smoke drift past.
The bush was very quiet; he could hear nothing but the crackle of the fire.

Now and then a blaze leaped up and pierced the shadows among the pine trunks.

A few yards away, the trees got blurred and melted into the encircling gloom.

In one place, however, there was an opening, and when he turned his back to the light, he saw a faint glimmer in the mist that indicated the frozen lake.

Although he was used to the wilds, he felt the silence and desolation.
"It's easy to be superstitious here," he resumed.