"Childermass is smart," Strange points out, as he continues to watch Lambert. In the visual, Lambert pauses, and looks like he's yelling for someone and waiting for a response. "If I may be honest, Childermass is a lot smarter than I am. If he's not here, then he must be back at the carnival."

Childermass isn't an idiot who'd willingly offer himself up to the fae like Strange did. Childermass always had a plan of some sort, even if that plan was just 'find a way to stay safe.' And again, Strange refuses to think about the alternative.

He hasn't really taken his eyes off of the water yet. It's a bit creepy the way Strange just watches Lambert while still holding a conversation with Steven, but spying on him like this is something Strange has come to do on a regular basis. And really, he'll take any hint of normalcy in this awful situation.