"Let us
go straight downhill. That will bring us to water sooner or later."
This was considered good advice and all acted on it without delay.
The smoke was now so thick they could scarcely see in any direction.
The light of the sun was obscure, making it as dark as if it was
night.
"Here is a little stream!" called out Giant, presently. "This
must run into the lake!"
All stepped into the brook and followed it for several hundred feet.
Then Snap called a halt.
"Here is our lost trail!"
"Snap is right," said Shep. "Come on, the boat cannot be far off."
Once more they went on, the smoke growing so thick they had to crouch
down to get their breath. The tears were streaming from their eyes,
and Whopper let out a yell as a burning brand floated down on his
neck, raising a blister.
"Here is the boat, thank fortune!" said Snap, a minute later.
How they tumbled into the craft they scarcely knew. The painter
was cut and they shoved off into the lake, just as a fierce gust
of wind sent a cloud of smoke and a shower of sparks down upon them.
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