Vocabulary in Context

A Mountain Top Accident

       Lester and Mac were at the top of a mountain, chopping wood for a fire.  "Ouch!" said Lester.  "I just got two big splinters in my hand!"

      Mac tried to pull them out, but he couldn't.  "Let me signal Dad to help us," he said.  He aimed a small mirror toward the foot of the hill and flashed it in the sunlight.  The boys saw some flashes among the trees there.

        "What did you do?" asked Lester.

        "I sent Dad a message in Morse code.  It's an old code that people used a long time ago to send messages by telegraph.  He replied that he would meet us at the truck."

        Mac helped Lester put on his skies.  "Follow me.  I know the trail," Mac said.  He guided Lester down the mountain.  In some places snow drifts were piled higher than their heads.  The temperature had dropped, but the boys had dressed warmly.

        Mac's father came running when the boys reached the truck.  He grabbed the first-aid kit and gently removed the splinters from Lester's hand.