“Huh!” grumbled Sammy. “What could happen in this chestnut wood except getting prickers into your hands? Huh!”
“You stay here and keep watch, Sammy,” Agnes advised.
But that would not have suited Sammy in any case. If there was a chance of something happening, he wanted to be on the spot. So he went along with the Kenway girls and the two young fellows who accompanied them.
The faint calling was repeated and became plainer as the party went forward. It was evident they had started in the right direction. The cries grew nearer and nearer.
“They are children lost in the wood!” exclaimed Ruth, with confidence, hurrying forward.
“The poor children!” said Tess thoughtfully.
Suddenly, through a break in the thicker wood, they saw three little figures. They were two girls and a boy, and the oldest was not more than Tess’ age, if as much. They screamed again when they saw the Kenway party, and began to run to meet them.
“Oh, oh!” screamed one. “Daddy’s hurt! He’s killed! Come help him!”
“Where is he?” Ruth demanded.
“How is he hurt?” asked Luke, quite as practical.