The upward climb was much longer than they had expected it to be. Gale thought that any minute they would find themselves turning sharply to the right, then starting down toward the Secret Forest. They did not turn, but kept straight on up an incline that every moment grew steeper.
Gale was ready to suggest that they give it up and turn back.
“We’re paying too much for our view of the parade,” said Isabelle.
“I wouldn’t have missed it,” said Than Shwe. “For now I know we cannot fail.”
Gale said nothing, but trudged straight on. “Tomorrow is another day,” she was thinking. “And I must be guardian angel for many thousands. I made a mistake by coming, but now we must get back.”
Suddenly they reached the crest of the ridge. “Oh! This is better.” Gale sighed. “Now we’ll follow along the ridge a little way and then start down.”
But there was no trail along the crest of the ridge, only scrub trees and rocks.
“Look.” Isabelle flashed on her light. “The trail goes over the ridge and down on the other side.”
“Wrong direction,” Gale groaned. “If we go that way we’ll never reach our forest, Isabelle. That Pete of yours is some little trail blazer.”
Just then Than Shwe, who had made her way around an immense rock, called softly to them: