human
Whatever can we do, Giraffe?
gpt
Oh! remarked the other, making out to be little concerned about the matter, although his manner did not deceive the fat boy in the least, for he knew Giraffe was worried greatly;
human
We're in a tough hole, all right,
gpt
Talk about Thad and Step Hen camping out; Giraffe went on to say,
human
And say, think of having the best part of a fine young buck to cook! burst out Bumpus, with another groan.
gpt
As for us, we've got the game all right; but however can we get down to eating partridges that ain't ever even been near a fire.
human
Quit talkin' of eating, Bumpus; you fairly set me wild,
gpt
Then you must be hungry?
human
Hungry ain't no name for it, Giraffe replied.
gpt
That's always the way, I've been told. When there ain't no water, a feller feels as if his tongue was stickin' to the roof of his mouth. And Bumpus, bein' hungry ain't the very worst of it, either!
human
What you mean, Giraffe, by slingin' that scare into me; I'd like to know what's worse than starvin' to death in a single night?
gpt
Oh! shucks! don't you worry about that, the other went on, with a sneer.
human
Not so much chance of our comin' to such an end in so short a time. But there is real danger around us, Bumpus.
gpt
Say, do you mean about them wolves?
human
That's just what I do mean, came the reply
gpt
When they tackled our comrades, why they were bold as anything, even if the boys did have a fire burning all the time. Think of how we're up against it, without a single match to start a blaze.
human
Then there's only one thing for us to do, Giraffe.
gpt
Suppose you tell me what that is?
human
Climb a tree,
gpt
Of course we could do that, as a last resort, Bumpus; but the chances are, if we did, we'd freeze before morning! he declared.
human
I've heard old hunters say that of all the agony they ever endured, being kept in a tree all night was the worst. Feel in your pockets again, Bumpus; try everywhere, and see if you can only scare up _one_ single match. If you did, we'd be mighty careful not to waste it, I tell you. This is a case of 'my kingdom for a match!'