This was laid on sloping ground a little lower down than the lean-tos.

First, a log was placed and stakes driven behind it to keep it from rolling down the slight decline, its purpose being to supply the backlog of the fire, which, when started, would be almost on a level with the lean-tos, and about four feet from them.

Evergreen boughs were cut and laid lengthwise in front of the lean-tos, to be planted between the houses and the fire, in case the fire might be too hot for the occupants.
Hippy was now bringing in the night-wood and complaining bitterly about having to do all the work.
"Why not harness up that lazy bear and make him draw in the logs ?" he demanded.
"If ye'll harness the pup and snake in a log with him, I'll make my Henry snake two logs," retorted the forest woman.
Hippy went back for another load of wood, his shoulders jogging up and down with laughter.
"This is all very fine, Tom, but what are we going to do after you have left us ?" wondered Anne.
"Grace knows how to build a lean-to, and I am positive that Mrs.Shafto does," answered Tom.
Joe nodded.
"When you go into permanent camp you will require a different construction to keep the rain out.

Bark stripped from trees will answer the purpose," Tom informed them.
The small lean-to was for the guide, and another of about the same size was later erected for Tom and Hippy, though further from the fire than the little green houses for the girls and the guide.
Night was upon them by the time they had finished, and Mrs.Shafto already had built a small cook fire and was preparing supper.

About the time it was ready Tom put a match under the larger pile of wood, and a cheerful blaze flamed up.
"Try the house and see how warm it is, girls," suggested Grace.
Exclamations of delight and gurgles of satisfaction followed their trial of the lean-to.
"Why, it is as warm as a steam-heated house," cried Nora.
"That is because the rear side of the lean-to is closed and the front open.