They could see for miles all around. It was summer, and the sun was hot. But they could see storm clouds were coming towards them. “We must find somewhere to stay tonight,” said Mr Blood. He led the way down into a valley. The fields on either side of the path were just brown earth. Edgar was surprised. “It’s summer,” he said. “The crops should be ready for harvest. But look, everything is dead.” He was right. The crops had failed. “Someone is coming,” said Mary. A skinny boy was running towards them across the field. “Do you have any food?” begged the boy. “We haven’t eaten for days.” “Take this,” said Mr Blood, handing over an apple and a loaf of bread from his pack. The boy put the bread under his arm and ran back across the field, eating the apple as he went. They saw more empty fields and then came to a small village. More hungry people came to beg for food, just as the boy had done. “We shouldn’t stay here,” Edgar whispered. “You’re right,”
