The boys went on, around another bend of the road, and soon came in sight of a second cottage. But to their astonishment, this too was deserted.
“We’ve come on a fool’s errand,” said Pepper. “The basket maker was here but has moved.”
They could see the evidences of basket making in the dooryard, but the cottage was locked up and minus furniture.
“Might as well get back to the Point,” said Andy. “Jack will be waiting for us.”
“I think this side road is shorter than the other,” said Pepper. “It makes a turn toward the lake just above here. We’ll keep on instead of turning back.”
“All right, if you say so, Pep. But it doesn’t look right to me,” answered Andy.
The pair hurried on, for the sky was now growing dark. The rumbling of thunder increased, and presently some large drops of rain came down through the trees bordering the road.
“Might as well run for it!” cried Pepper, and set off on a dog trot. In a few minutes they made a turn and came out on a broad highway. Just beyond was a large white mansion set in a perfect wilderness of trees.
“Why, this isn’t the road I was looking for!” cried Pepper in dismay. “I don’t know where we are now.”
He had hardly spoken when there came a rush of wind through the trees. This was followed by flashes of lightning and cracks of thunder, and then the rain came down in a torrent.