Of course, there had been the mistake, and the fact being brought to light proved a great relief.
"Still," said Cyril, "we ought to have been more careful, and saved two for the end; then we could have crossed the Brook as animals or something and taken our own shapes again on the other side, as we'd made up our minds to do."
"Ah, but perhaps we shouldn't have had the power on the other side," remarked his sister.
That was a new view of the case. The children were perplexed.
"Anyway, we're in a nice fix," replied Cyril.
Then they decided it was no use stopping there, especially as Cyril said he wanted his tea badly—so the only thing was to find their way back, and try and dodge the Wizard if they could. They wandered off, not particularly hopeful, and very nervous. Cyril thought he should know the way once they found the Bird-Fairy's glade. Dulcie took his arm, and they walked on in silence, which she broke at last.
"I wish some one would come and take care of us!"
"I wish some one would bring me my tea!" said her brother.
"I wish some one would come and tell us what to do!" sighed Dulcie, who had begun to find out that it was of no use relying absolutely on Cyril any more. "If only we were at home!"
"I'll try to take you there, so cheer up, do," answered the boy sturdily.