"Where is the boat?" the Baron repeated, and Erik was about to reply, when the most terrifying scream echoed from across the lake.
Erik gave a violent start. This was no part of his plan. Something real must have happened to Greta.
He turned to the Baron, but the Baron was gone. He was running away, toward home. Erik rushed after him.
"Come back!" he cried. He clutched at the Baron's coat. "Please come back! Now, you must save Greta. She is in real danger."
Baron Karl's teeth were chattering.
"L-let me go!" he quavered. "I'll bring help!"
He broke away and fled toward the big house. Erik was left standing alone, and out of the silence came another scream.
Erik felt like the boy in the tale who cried, "Wolf, wolf!" for fun, and then one day was really surrounded by wolves. His harmless trick had turned into a horrible disaster.
He was too small to think of going to Greta's aid all alone. Nils! He would go for Nils.
When he reached his father's cottage, he burst into the kitchen where Nils was studying with the lamp shining on his face. He cried, "Quick, Nils! Greta is in danger." And in less time than it would seem possible, they were hurrying toward the lake.