Sorry I didn't respond earlier, I must have missed your reply.
Because the weather was so cold and damp, plus the fact that no one passed us, I do think those boys would have been in a poor state by the time they were found.
It was certainly fortunate for them that I was there. It could have ended tragically.
Thank you for your kind words with regards to my writing. It's taken a while, but I think I'm now realising how fortunate I am to have this gift.
Bravery or foolishness? I could have saved me a lot of discomfort if I had just run for help and then gone home ;)
No story in that though... is there? :)