The storm had suddenly come upon them, surprising the two boys. Their jackets offered little protection from the rain. Jack led the way to the cabin; it was almost hidden by the trees. Within minutes they stood on the porch. The door opened and they entered, throwing their backpacks on to the floor. They shivered; the room was cold. Worse, it was damp.
They could not see in the darkness, so Jack felt for the lantern, which he knew was on the table. If they had started out earlier, they would not have been caught in the rain and unable to reach the cabin before the night. A warm fire and supper would certainly help.
When the lantern was lit, Jack gasped. The doors to the cupboard, which his father had filled, were opened, revealing empty shelves. Walking back on to the porch, he stared at the empty place where wood had been stacked.
Obviously, someone had been warm and well-fed at their expense. Phil, he knew, would accept his apology. That was a small consolation for the uncomfortable night they would have. At lease a lesson had been learned; next time he would prepare for any emergency that might occur.
