"That suits me," spoke Ned. Helen and Mary assented, and soon the four young persons were strolling through the shady wood.
After a bit the couples became separated, and Tom found himself walking beside Mary in a woodland path. The girl glanced at her companion's face, and ventured:
"A penny for your thoughts, Tom."
"They're worth more than that," he replied gallantly. "I was thinking of—you."
"Oh, how nicely you say it!" she laughed. "But I know better! You're puzzling over some problem. Tell me, what did Ned mean when he hinted at danger? Is there any, Tom?"
"None at all," he assured her. "It's just a sort of notion—"
Mary made a sudden gesture of silence.
"Hark!" she whispered to Tom, "I heard someone mention your name then. Listen!"