At last came a hoarse, triumphant cry from Jessie.
“The water—over there, through the trees!” she sobbed. “We are safe—safe!”
The sight of that water was deceptive, for they still had a weary way to go before reaching the protection of it. But it was possible now to see their progress, and Burd, with the anxious encouragement of Jessie and Amy, nerved himself for that last great effort.
“There is the lodge,” gasped Amy, pushing the hair back from her face. “Tell me I am not dreaming, Jess, Burd. It is the lodge, isn’t it?”
“Thank heaven—yes,” groaned Burd, adding, as they pressed forward: “You girls are bricks. I won’t forget it. Ouch! Confound that rock——”
“We will have it removed before you come this way again,” said Amy, with a choked little laugh. “There is Aunt Emma, waiting for us, bless her.”
“Home! I thought we would never see it again!” cried Jessie, huskily, as Miss Alling rushed to them, forcing Burd to lean upon her shoulder and relieving the exhausted girls.
They reached the lodge and found Nell and Fol inside, hastily packing their belongings.
“Is it—as bad as that?” asked Jessie, as she flung herself into a chair and covered her burning eyes with smoke-stained fingers. “Shall we have to leave the lodge, Aunt Emma?”
“I hope not, my dear,” returned Miss Alling, briskly. “We are only preparing for that emergency. The fire, with the impetus it has gained, may sweep down to the lake front, and in that case our only safe refuge will be the boats.”