Just two and a half hours after they had left the forest clearing, and when Roland was holding out hopes that they should soon reach the road by the banks of the river, much to their astonishment they found themselves in a strange clearing which they had never seen before.
The very pathway ended here, and though the boy went round and round the circle, he could find no exit.
To retrace his steps and try to find out the right path was the first thought that occurred to Roland.
This plan was tried, but tried in vain, and so--weary and hopeless now beyond measure--they returned to the centre of the glade and threw themselves down on the soft green moss.
Lost! Lost!
The words kept repeating themselves in poor Roland's brain, but Peggy's fatigue was so complete that she preferred rest even in the midst of danger to going farther.
Brawn, heaving a great sigh, laid himself down beside them.
The warm day wore rapidly to a close, and at last the sun shimmered red through the forest trees.
Then it sank.
The briefest of twilight, and the stars shone out.