"Here is a little stream!" called out Giant, presently. "This must run into the lake!"
All stepped into the brook and followed it for several hundred feet.
Then Snap called a halt.
"Here is our lost trail!"
"Snap is right," said Shep. "Come on, the boat cannot be far off."
Once more they went on, the smoke growing so thick they had to crouch down to get their breath. The tears were streaming from their eyes, and Whopper let out a yell as a burning brand floated down on his neck, raising a blister.
"Here is the boat, thank fortune!" said Snap, a minute later.
How they tumbled into the craft they scarcely knew. The painter was cut and they shoved off into the lake, just as a fierce gust of wind sent a cloud of smoke and a shower of sparks down upon them.
"Phew! but that was a narrow escape!" muttered Shep, when the shore had been left behind and they could catch their breath.
"We are not out of danger yet!" said Snap. "This fire may be worse than we think. If it takes in the whole lake district, we'll be hemmed in on all sides."
"Look!" exclaimed Giant. "Am I mistaken, or is a storm coming up?" and he pointed to the sky.