Touching his companions, he sprang to his feet, and without hesitation turned off to the right, and climbed an even steeper path than any which they had followed in the darkness.

The trees grew thinner as they advanced, and they were soon climbing over bare rock.
They saw now that they were near the extreme summit of one of the hills.

The boy, as they passed through the trees, had gathered some dry sticks, and a handful or two of green leaves.

Upon reaching the top he placed these down upon the ground, and looked towards the east.
The sun would not be up for another half hour, yet.

The boy at once began, with steady earnestness, to rub two pieces of stick together, according to their way of kindling a fire.