CHAPTER XI.
A COMEDY OF ERRORS.
The original lake party might have served as an excellent illustration of the history of many principalities and nations. Having suffered a division and then a subdivision and finally a breaking up into fractional groups, it became as a weakened and shattered government, powerless to help itself.
It soon became evident that Mary Price was too weary to take the long walk back to the lake.
She was left therefore by the roadside with Percy and Elinor, while Dr. Hume, Nancy and Billie went on.
“It will probably be no time at all before we pick them up,” said the doctor cheerfully, but they made the entire walk to the lake house and there was no “Comet” to be seen.
“It left here two hours ago,” the boatman informed them. “Maybe they went on to the second bridge. That’s half a mile beyond the first one. They’ll tell a person anything, these people here will.”
“I suppose that’s exactly what happened,” Billie exclaimed, much relieved. “They have been waiting at the second bridge and will be on their way back by this time. But I think they will have to come all the way. Nancy has a blister on her heel.”
“Now, don’t blame it all on me, Billie,” said Nancy. “You know you are dead tired yourself.”
Billie smiled guiltily.