He had no objection therefore to a fire, but where and how to build one he was at some loss to determine.

Looking carefully around he discovered that in falling the great sycamore tree on which he stood had thrown up a large mound of earth at its roots, as big trees in blowing down nearly always do.

This mound was well above the water, even at its base, and here Sam determined to roast his opossum.

He first dug a hole in the ground, making it about two feet long, one foot wide and eighteen inches deep.

This was to be his fireplace and oven.