e basket from a
rude shelf on the wall. From this she brought forth several little
home-made articles, and laid them in Jean's lap.

"John is handy with his knife," she explained, "and made this boat,
horse, and cart. He is going to make something else when he gets time.
I made that doll out of some odds and ends, and John carved the head.
We shall also make some molasses candy of funny shapes. Danny will be
delighted. Poor little fellow, he talks so much about Santa Claus, and
the things he is going to get."

"I am sure he will not be disappointed," Jean replied, as she examined
each present. "You and Mr. Watson have done remarkable work."

For some time they sat and talked before the fire, and when Jean at
last rose to go, Mrs. Watson looked at her with admiration.

"This life certainly agrees with you," she said. "I never saw you look
better. And you are the envy of all the girls, too. I do not wonder
at that."

Jean blushed, for she knew very well to what the woman referred.

"If they envy me, they never show it," was the cheery reply. "They are
as kind and sweet to me as can be."

"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 l