"I see. Well, I hope you strike something before long. It's not pleasant to be out of work and money."
The young man nodded pleasantly and walked away. I must confess I gazed after him longingly. I warmly appreciated the few kind words he had given me.
As I turned back to sit down once more I heard two men get up from behind a number of packing-cases on the pier, and walk away. I had not noticed them before, and I wondered if they had overheard the conversation which had taken place.
It was rather warm in the boat, and the rocking motion caused by the waves soon put me in a drowsy mood. My time was my own, and I felt in no humor to move away. I allowed my head to fall back, and almost before I knew it I had dropped into a light doze.
My wakening was a rude one. The row-boat gave a violent lurch, nearly precipitating me into the water. I tried to scramble to my feet, but some one with a big bag pushed me back.
"Here, what does this mean——" I began, indignantly.
"Shut up!" come back in hurried tones.
Then the bag was pulled over my head and arms, and in five seconds I found myself a prisoner and hardly able to move hands or feet.
I tried to cry out and to ask questions, but could not. The bag was thick, and, being tied around my neck, almost took away my breath.
For the first instant I was afraid that the police from New York had found me, but I as quickly gave up this idea. They would never treat me in this strange fashion, I felt certain. But who were my strange assailants, and what did they intend to do with me?