“Then we must go right back.”
This was what Josiah most desired; but whether he would be able to do so or not, was another matter.
He could distinguish nothing to guide him on his way, and stood in painful indecision until, noticing a look of anxiety on Sadie’s face, he believed it necessary to prevent her from becoming alarmed, and therefore resolved to act as if confident he knew exactly in which direction to proceed.
It would have seemed a simple matter if he had been able to inquire the way; but, not knowing where he should go until he could see the landmarks before noticed, it was impossible to tell a third party where the boys had agreed to meet him.
In addition to these troubles he was growing weary; but it was necessary to join his friends as soon as possible, and he pushed on at the best pace which he believed Sadie would be able to maintain.
Fifteen minutes more passed, and then the match-girl understood the true position of affairs.
“You don’t know where to go,” she said, halting and looking up into Josiah’s face.
“Well I don’t, an’ that’s a fact.”
“Neither do I.”
“How are we goin’ to find the fellers?” and now Josiah began to grow alarmed. “We can’t go home ’cause Bob has got the tickets, ’cept I pay another fare, an’ I don’t wanter leave while they’re huntin’ for us. I expect Bill Foss is tearin’ mad by this time. It must be as much as two hours since we left ’em.”