"They couldn't be anything else, dear. They would give worlds to be
engaged to a young man like Dane Norwood, and to wear such a brooch as
the one he gave you. All the girls look upon him as a hero."

In order to hide her embarrassment, Jean kissed Mrs. Watson and left
the house. It was dark outside, but she did not mind this as she had
often come that same way alone at night. In fact, no sense of fear
entered her mind, for she was thinking of the words she had Just heard.
As she raised her right hand and touched the Love-Token at her throat,
a feeling of joy thrilled her heart. She recalled the day it had been
given to her, and Dane's avowal of love. To-morrow he would be with
her again, and her happiness would be complete.

She had gone but half way home when, without the slightest warning, she
was seized by strong arms, a big hand was placed over her mouth, and
she was borne bodily away. Desperately she struggled to free herself,
and made frantic attempts to call for help. But her efforts were all
in vain, for those entwining arms held her fast, and that hand still
pressed firmly her mouth. At length she ceased her struggles, for a
great terror rendered her limp and helpless. She knew that she was
being carried through the bushes toward the river. After that she
remembered no more until she found herself lying in the bottom of a
canoe which was being driven through the water at a great speed. With
a startled cry, she raised her head and looked around. Dark though it
was, she could dimly see the forms of two men swaying strongly at their
paddles.

"Where am I?" she asked in a trembling voice. "What are you going to
do with me?"