nd others
making merry over the success of their march against the rebels. But
everything was as quiet as a funeral, causing an ominous feeling to
steal into their hearts. Had anything of a serious nature happened
during their absence? they asked themselves, although they did not
express their thought in words. What was the meaning of those little
groups of men and women talking so earnestly? And why was Davidson
advancing alone to meet them? Something surely was wrong.

As, Davidson approached, they noted the serious expression upon his
face. The Colonel stopped, and with fast-beating heart waited for the
purveyor to speak.

"We have been watching for you," Davidson began. "I am afraid you are
very tired."

"I am somewhat weary," the Colonel replied. "But, tell me, is anything
the matter? What is the meaning of this strange quietness? And why do
you meet us like this?"

"We are anxious about your daughter," Davidson explained. "She has
been missing since last night."

At these words a cry escaped Dane's lips, and he wheeled impetuously
upon his leader. But the Colonel did not utter a sound. His face grew
white as death, and his body trembled. He stared at the ranger as if
he had not heard aright. Then he raised his left hand, and pressed it
to his forehead.

"You say that Jean is missing?" Dane asked. "What has happened to her?
Tell me, quick."

"Yes, she has disappeared, and no one here knows what has become of
her."

With a groan Dane looked beseechingly at Davidson.

"Surely some one must have seen her," he declared. "Was she alone?
Was she out on the water? Was she in the woods? Perhaps she is lost,
and is wandering about trying to find her way home."

"That is not it, Dane. She was visiting at one of the houses early
last night, and stayed for about an hour. She left there for home, and
has not been seen since."

Dane made no reply. His brain was in a tumult. He tried to think, to
find some solution to the problem. Jean was gone! Where had she gone?
What had happened to her? His thoughts suddenly darted to Lupin, the
cowardly villain. Then he recalled what he had heard a few nights
before on the river as that mysterious canoe sped by in the darkness.
"Seth's looking after the plans," were the final words which had
reached his ears. Had those plans anything to do with Jean's
disappearance? he asked himself. Forgotten was everything else as with
lightning rapidity these t