The river was in spate, and none else dared to ferry passengers across it.
Even as the small boat was in midstream, tossed about by the rushing waters, a bulky log, hurtling through the belligerent river, hit it suddenly, overturning it.
As John disappeared into the swirling waters, Maria, clinging to the boat, removed the engagement ring and flung it after him.
“Unlike your vanishing act on the wedding day, this one is for good, I hope,” she murmured.