It is best, however, to be prepared while we have time.

Let us try the _circle of fire_!" Both Basil and Francois understood what their brother meant.

All three flung down their rifles and, rushing among the trees, collected dry wood in armfuls.

Fortunately, this was in abundance near the spot.

Some dead trees had fallen long ago; and their branches, breaking into pieces as they fell, covered the ground with numerous fragments just fit for firewood.