Don’t Forget to Light the Fire

[317 words] In one of Jack London’s short stories, he writes about a fellow who was a newcomer to the Alaska gold rush. As he outfits to go out to “stake his claim and strike it rich,” a seasoned veteran gives him some advice. “It’s winter, so whenever you pause from hiking, be sure to light a fire before doing anything else…including resting.” The rookie millionaire want-a-be hikes for hours toward unclaimed land to set up his land claim. Finally, he stops. He is exhausted. So, he rests under a tree “for only a moment.” He figures that a little rest before making his fire and setting up camp wouldn’t hurt. He ignored the advice from the old outfitter. He drifts into a short nap.  When he awakes, he finds that his hands and feet are so numb from the cold that he cannot make his fire. His body grows…