After the lunch was over Chris and Diana helped their mother to wash up the dishes in the stream. Inez and Noel wandered off together.
Miss Constance sat down by Ted's side and talked to him. Mr. Wargrave helped Mrs. Inglefield in packing up the remains of the lunch.
Inez and Noel suddenly frightened a rabbit out of his hole, and then gave chase to it. Noel longed to catch it. They ran and ran along the narrow green paths that led through the wood.
When they were tired out they turned back. But they had lost their bearings, and were really wandering away from the picnic party, instead of towards them.
"I'm afraid we're lost," said Inez, suddenly stopping still.
She did not look afraid, her eyes were sparkling with excitement.
"I've often wished to lose myself," she said, "but I've never managed it. Every one meets with adventures when they're lost."
"But I don't like being lost," said Noel, puckering up his face. "I don't like it at all."
"It's jolly! Come on, it's no good standing still. We shall get out of this old wood if we walk long enough."
Noel trotted after her with an anxious face.