The bed of fragrant balsam and spruce boughs, the smell of the fire and the soft candle-light combined to give it an indescribable atmosphere of luxury.
In the morning the weather had not improved.

The wind had risen during the night, and was driving the rain in sheets over the Bay.

David went outside to make a survey, and when he returned he reported: "'Twill be a nasty day abroad." "Let's bide here till the rain stops," suggested Jamie.
"The wind's fair, and if she keeps up and don't turn too strong we'll make Fort Pelican by evenin' whatever, if we goes," David objected.
"'Twon't be so bad, once we're out and gets used to un," said Andy.
"No, 'twon't be so bad," urged David.

"The wind may shift and fall calm, when the rain's over, and if we bides here we'll lose time in gettin' to Fort Pelican.

I'm for goin' and makin' the best of un." "I won't mind un," agreed Jamie, stoutly.
"I got grit to travel in the rain, and we wants to make a fast cruise of un." It was "nasty" indeed when after breakfast they broke camp and set sail.