"But, in the meantime? They may be hours finding us. And I am sure I
would not know how to start for Snow Camp, if the storm should stop."

"Quite true, Helen."

"We won't an-n-ny of us start for Snow Camp again!" quavered Lluella
Fairfax. "We'll be frozen dead--that's what'll happen to us."

"I _am_ dreadfully cold," said Madge. "How are you, Heavy?"

"Stiff as a poker, thank you!" returned the irrepressible. "I
haven't any feet at all now. They've frozen and dropped off!"

"Don't talk so terribly!" wailed Belle. "We are freezing to death
here. I am sleepy. I've read that when folks get drowsy out in a
storm like this they are soon done for. Now, isn't that a fact, Madge
Steele?"

"Nonsense!" exclaimed the older girl; but Heavy broke in with:

"It strikes me that now is the time to make use of Ruth's matches.
Let's build a rousing fire."

"How?" demanded Helen. "Where can we get fuel? It's all under the
snow."

"There's plenty of kindling right under _us_" declared Jennie Stone,
vigorously. "And Ruth spoke about the under branches of these trees
being dry----"