"What had we better do—turn back?"
"I don't know. The fire may be a long way off. Smoke will carry for miles and miles, you know."
"But if it comes this way——"
"I think if we can reach Granger's camp we'll be all right. He has cut everything big off of White-cap Hill, and there is a wide brook to the northward."
They continued on their way, watching the sky as before. Soon the sun went under the smoke and appeared like a great ball of fire hanging in space. Then the wind freshened, and the smoke came down so that they could smell it plainly.
"I must say this doesn't suit me at all," exclaimed Dale. "If we don't look out we'll be hemmed in by that fire."
They had now reached the little lake in the woods, and were walking towards the small lodge mentioned, when, to their astonishment, they saw the Wilbur children sitting on the bank fishing.
"Hullo!" ejaculated Owen. "What brought them up here?"
"The children must be having a day's outing in the woods," returned Dale. "Wonder who is with them?"
The children were a little startled to see them approaching, but set up a shout of gladness when they recognized the two young lumbermen.