Another disappointment! The nuts, as they cracked them, were, with a few exceptions, full of a blackish dust, and the exceptions contained in addition a poor watery embryo of a nut that was not worth the cracking to obtain.
They gave up the food hunt in despair, for there was no cultivated land near, where a few turnips might have been obtained; and wandering slowly back they at last reached the road.
The search had not been, though, without result—it had taken time; and when they reached the solitary road the sun was so near setting, that after a final protest from Pan, Syd started at once for home and the scenes they had to face.
The route they had chosen for their flight was the most solitary leading from Southbayton. It was but little used, leading as it did right out into the forest, and in consequence they had it almost to themselves while the light lasted, and after dark they did not pass a soul as they made their way to the Heronry, under whose palings they stood at last to debate in whispers on the next step.
Pan was for flight after they had been on into the town and bought some bread and cheese; but the position in which they were brought out Sydney’s best qualities.
“No,” he said, “we’ve done wrong, and I’ll face it out.”
“But I won’t—I can’t,” whimpered Pan. “How do I know as father isn’t waiting just inside the gate with that there bit of rope?”
“You must, and you shall come back, Pan,” said Sydney, decisively. “It’s of no use to kick against it. Am I to hit you again?”
“I d’ know,” whimpered Pan. “I’m the most miserable chap as ever was. Every one’s agen me. Even you knocks me about, and I didn’t think it of you, Master Syd—I didn’t; I thought you would be my friend.”
“So I am, Pan, only you don’t know it. Come now, get up. Go in with me, and let’s walk straight in to the dining-room, and ask father to forgive us.”