The scenery around them seemed utterly unfamiliar, and Will was somewhat alarmed, as he found that he was considerably confused as to the points of the compass.
However, he finally decided upon what he supposed to be the direction in which the camp lay, and they started forward on their way.
Darkness came on, and, although they had progressed several miles, they were more bewildered than ever concerning their real whereabouts.
Any person who has been lost knows how, in the effort to regain some familiar landmark, the mind becomes affrighted and bewildered, and the feet wander unconsciously and aimlessly.
It was so with Will and Tom. It must have been nearly morning before they came to a halt.
They built a fire in a thicket and determined to wait until daybreak before they attempted again to ascertain their bearings or endeavored to reach the camp.
Will had not imparted his real anxieties to Tom, but when, the ensuing day, several hours’ wandering failed to reveal any trace of the camp or its proximity, he began to exhibit a deep concern.
“See here, Tom,” he said, frankly, at last, “I’ve led you to believe that it was only a matter of time in reaching the camp.”
“Yes, Will.”
“Well, I thought it was, but I’ve changed my mind.”