It is so confoundedly dark , I shall break my neck down the shed steps . '' And Mark led the way to the library , where the carpet still remained , and comfortable chairs and sofas invited the chilly visitors to rest . `` How can you light your fire when you get the wood ? '' asked Ruth , a practical damsel , who looked well after her own creature comforts and was longing for a warm supper . `` Papa hides the matches in a tin box , so the rats wo n't get at them . Here they are , and two or three bits of candle for the sticks on the chimney-piece , if he forgets to have the lantern trimmed . Now we will light up , and look cosey when the boys come back . '' And producing the box from under a sofa-cushion , Gwen cheered the hearts of all by lighting two candles , rolling up the chairs , and making ready to be comfortable . Thoughtful Alice went to see if Pat was returning , and found a buffalo-robe lying on the steps . Returning with this , she reported that there was no sign of the runaways , and advised making ready for a long stay . `` How mamma will worry ! '' thought Gwen , but made light of the affair , because she saw Rita looked timid , and Gus shivered till his teeth chattered . `` We will have a nice time , and play we are shipwrecked people or Arctic explorers . Here comes Dr. Kane and the sailors with supplies of wood , so we can thaw our pemmican and warm our feet . Gus shall be the little Esquimaux boy , all dressed in fur , as he is in the picture we have at home , '' she said , wrapping the child in the robe , and putting her own sealskin cap on his head to divert his mind . `` Here we are ! Now for a jolly blaze , boys ; and if Pat does n't come back we can have our fun here instead of at home , '' cried Mark , well pleased with the adventure , as were his mates . So they fell to work , and soon a bright fire was lighting up the room with its cheerful shine , and the children gathered about it , quite careless of the storm raging without , and sure that Pat would come in time . `` I 'm hungry , '' complained Gus as soon as he was warm . `` So am I , '' added Rita from the rug , where the two little ones sat toasting themselves .
`` Eat an apple , '' said XXXXX .
Esquimaux Gus Gwen Kane Mark Rita buffalo-robe cosey fire sofa-cushion