"We must have come up the wrong way," said Walter. "But don't be frightened, Lucy dear; let us get down to the lake again and try to find the way we came."
Trying to keep her courage up, Lucy took hold of his hand, and they were soon by the water again. It was easy to them, used as they were to clambering, to go safely down steep places. When they reached the borders of the lake they saw some large drops of rain falling into the water, and immediately afterwards they were startled by a loud clap of thunder.
"Make haste; let us find the way if we can," said Walter.
"I am so tired I cannot go on," said poor little Lucy, beginning to cry.
The rain now poured down, and a flash of lightning darted across the hill, followed by a clap of thunder still louder than the first.
"Oh mama, mama!" sobbed Lucy. "What shall I do? I wish we were at home with you."
"What now?—Dear heart!—what's amiss?" cried a voice behind her.
Both the children turned round, but saw no one. They were standing a little way from the edge of the lake, and a thicket of bushes was between them and it. The voice seemed to come from among them. Lucy clung to Walter in her fear. There was another clap of thunder.
"Come to the door; come in, then," cried the voice. "Heart alive! why do you stay out in the storm?"
"There must be a cottage near us," said Walter; "come with me."