“We can’t be far from the lodge, although it’s possible we’ve been going in the opposite direction,” said Sam. “You kids must be
worried, and I bet your families are worried
about you, too.”
Emily nodded. “We don’t know how far from home we are.”
Matt could tell that Emily was being careful how she explained where they’d come from. They knew a group of scientists would never believe they flew in on a magic sled.
“And I bet you were stuck in that fog, too,” said John.
“Yes. We were in a fog,” said Matt.
“I wish those guides would show up. They know the land around here. They reassured us that they’d meet us. And now we can’t even get in touch with them by radio,” said Sam.
“We could be close to the lodge and not even know it,” said Rob. “We could be stuck out here for days without enough food or water.”
Matt shuddered. “Really?”
John patted Matt on the back. “We’ll be fine. None of that is going to happen. Pay no attention to gloom-and-doom Rob. Sometimes I think he just likes to scare people. There are guides looking for us and we have enough food.”
“For now. We have two extra mouths to feed, in case you’ve forgotten,” said Rob.
John glared at Rob. “Let’s stop worrying everybody. It doesn’t help.”
“I think we should set the tents up quickly, though,” said Sam. “Those clouds look nasty. A storm is coming—and soon.”
Just then the dogs began to howl.
“They also know a storm’s on its way,” said Sam.
“They’re hungry and so am I,” said John. “Some hot soup and stew will do us all good. Why don’t you set the tents up and I’ll start cooking the food and feeding the dogs.”
“I could help make soup and stew,” said Emily.
“Great. All you have to do is rip open some packets, add water, and stir the pot,” said John.
Emily smiled. “I’m good at stirring pots, even when I’m not in the kitchen,” she said. “My mom tells me that all the time.”
John laughed. “You mean you’re always up to some mischief, Emily?”
“A little—now and then,” said Emily, smiling.
While Sam, Rob, and Matt pitched the tents, John fired up the camp stove and Emily added water to the food mix. She stirred the soup and stew till it was heated through.
“Mmmmm. It smells good,” she said. “I love chicken noodle soup and beef stew.”
“You must be really hungry to love this stuff,” said John. “It’s not gourmet food by any means.” He glanced over at his son, who was sitting beside one of the tents.
“How are you feeling, Arthur?” John asked.
“Not so good, Dad. But I’ll be okay.”
John went over and patted Arthur on the back, then he headed off to feed the ten large dogs. He looked concerned.
“Do you want some soup, Arthur?” asked Emily.
Arthur shook his head. “I can’t eat a thing, but don’t tell my dad. He has enough to worry about already. I’m sure I’ll feel better soon.”
But despite his words, Emily and Matt could tell from the grimace on Arthur’s face that he was feeling a lot worse than he’d admit.