The rifles had been brought on this journey largely because the party hoped to do some hunting in the North Woods.

The revolvers were, as on previous journeys into the wilder sections of their native country, a part of their regular equipment and for use in great emergencies only.
The lumberjacks with one accord rushed at the Overland Riders, uttering yells and jeers.

They carried no weapons in their hands, but, as Grace knew to be their practice, each jack wore a lumberman's knife.
"Clubs!" At the signal, each Overland girl snatched up a stick and stood her ground with set lips and a face from which most of the color had fled, realizing fully the seriousness of the situation.
Lieutenant Wingate waited until the lumberjacks were almost upon him, waited lounging indolently, his face wearing a grin.
"Oh, don't hurry, children," he admonished.

"Save your wind for the flight to the rear." Suddenly, Hippy bent forward and when he rose his hand held a pine knot fully five feet long, the limb ablaze almost from end to end.

Not more than two feet separated the burning part from his hands.
The limb was heavy, but Lieutenant Wingate was far from delicate, and when he swung the burning limb it had power and speed behind it.