Chapter 7

They walked along the trail for about half an hour. There seemed to be no way to get back up the hill.

"Luke... I have to... rest a minute," Laura said sounding out of breath.

"Ok," Luke said letting go of her hand and sitting down.

Laura sat down on a rock near him. The rain had almost let up.

"Do you think any of the others found Lulu?" Laura asked.

"Yeah. I'm sure they have by now. They're probably all sitting around the cabin wondering where we are."

Laura laughed. "You're right. They've found her. There's nothing to worry about."

Laura looked up at Luke and noticed the worried look on his face.

"Luke? What's wrong?"

He didn't answer. He just kept staring at the ground next to him. Laura followed his gaze and saw a snake poised to strike. She had to help him, but she didn't know how.

Laura sat thinking for a moment, keeping her eyes on the snake. She finally got an idea. She moved her hand slowly into her pocket. She didn't want to spook the snake for Luke's sake.

She pulled her compact out of her pocket. Luke looked at her with a confused look. Laura managed to catch the sunlight in the mirror and directed it at the snake. Luke smiled and nodded slightly as he caught on to the fact that she was trying to blind the snake so he could get away.

He watched till the sunlight was directed right into the snake's eyes, then moved quickly off the rock. He picked up the another large rock and dropped it on the snake, crushing it.

Laura dropped the compact and ran into Luke's arms.

"Are you all right?" she asked.

"Yes, thanks to you. That was quick thinking," he said hugging her. Luke exhaled sharply. "Have you rested enough?"

Laura nodded. She took his hand and they began to walk again. Her compact lay forgotten on the ground.