Meanwhile, night had descended upon the mountain. Feeling that danger actually threatened his little son, Colonel Lewis provided himself with lanterns, warm wraps, food and a bottle of spirits, and then started with Ashby to the spot where Ran waited.
It was dark by the time the carriage appeared and Ran called out: "That you, Ashby?"
"Colonel Lewis and I," replied Ashby. "Are you all there, Ran?"
"I'm all here, but nobody else," returned Ran not meaning to be jocular.
"They haven't come?" Colonel Lewis asked making his way quickly to the spot.
"No, sir. Don't you think it would be a good plan to build a fire? They might see it, or they might see the smoke."
"If there is no danger of the woods catching we can do it."
"There's a big rocky place further on where I think it would be safe," Ran told him. "I have kept up a constant calling, but haven't heard a sound except from an owl."
To build the fire was the first step and Ashby was left to watch it while the other two set out, lanterns in hand, taking the direction in which the wanderers had disappeared. "I always carry a small compass," said Colonel Lewis, "and I have hunted in these mountains since I was a boy. We'll keep an eye on the smoke and then if we can only find those children, I shall have no fears about our getting back to the fire. You're not afraid, Ashby?" he called back.
"No, sir," came the prompt reply.