On the other side of the water was the unmistakable spire of Waverley church.
"We've come wrong, after all!" "Oh, good night! So we have!" "What an absolute swindle!" The girls were certainly not in luck that day.

They had missed their path as effectually as they had missed their train.

The chimneys of Waverley were in sight, but separated from them by a wide stream, and unless they were prepared to wade, swim, or fly, there was no way of reaching the village.
"There's nothing for it but to turn back!" "Why, but that's _miles_!" "Are you sure it's Waverley over there?
Can we ask anybody ?" "No one to ask, worse luck!" "Yes, there is! I can see some people coming along in a boat." Rendered desperate by the emergency, Ingred struggled through the reeds to the very edge of the river, and lifted up her voice in an agonized cry of "Help!" A punt was drifting slowly with the current, and its occupants, a lady and gentleman, looked with surprise at the agitated girl who was hailing them from the bank.

The gentleman at once paddled in her direction, and, running his little craft among the reeds, inquired what was the matter.
"Oh, please, is that Waverley over there ?" asked Ingred anxiously.
"We've lost our way, and we've walked miles! Is there any bridge near ?" "That's certainly Waverley, but there's no bridge till you come to one a mile and a half down stream." Ingred's face was tragic.

She turned to Beatrice and Verity, who had joined her.
"It's no use! We shall have to go back!" But the lady was whispering something to the gentleman, and he beckoned to the girls with a smile.
"Don't run away!" he said.