San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1886-12-08

ms right lie struck out Tor Tue opposite
bank, for that was the safest, and there
was more chance of him getting the poor
girl out. because there were several boats
at hand.
But, alas, Grace had become totally in.
sensible, and consequently she was q
dead weight upon the courageous Leon.
Her long trailing skirts, too. impeded his
progress.
Fortunately, however. he was power
full fellow and a most accomplished SWIM
mer Had he not been, neither of their
lives would have been worth much had
not help been forthcoming.
Arrived at the bank, he clutchel the
first boat which came within reach. But
it was only very frail skifi, which
rocked dangerously at his touch. He
tried hard to hoist the insensible girl into
it, but failed. Again and again he tried,
but with the same result.
At last he began to get exhausted, des-
pair began to take possession Of him, and
raising his voice, he cried cut as loud as
he was able:
Help! helpw
But the only answer was the echo Of
his own voice.
"Oh, God!" he groaned, as a sob escaped
his lips, "are we, then, to perish3 True,
can save myself, but only at the risk Of
her life. No, no! | would not do that
Rather perish together"
Again he cried aloud for help and this
time he was answered by the rush Of
many feet, and then a voice, which he
recognized as friend of his, and one Of
the guests at the house, cried out:
where are your In the name o! Heav-
en-, where are your
Here" replied Leon. Run round, Att
well, and help us out"
Young Attwell and the friends with him
required no second bidding. They were
round on the opposite side in twinkling,
and had clutched Leon in firm grip.
In moment he and Grace-who was
still insensible-wered drawn on terra frmd,
and Leon was inundated with excited
questions.
al will tell you all later on" said Leon |;
"but for Heavens sake take that poor
girl at once to the house. ! am too much
exhausted, but you are strong enough,
Attwell. Take her in your arms and
hurry of. l will follow"
Yes, Attwell was strong enough. He
raised Grace in his arms as if she had
been child, and ran off as fast as he
could.
But someone had preceded him, and
that was very foolish young gentleman
who had been in the company of Attwel
and his friends No sooner did he catch
sight of Grace anil the condition she was
in, than, without word he scampered off
to the house.
Sir Rowland Saxby was seated in the
large drawing room with Mrs. ThOrne,
Mrs. Danvcrs, and several other ladies
and gentlemen. They were conversing
upon very important matter-to- wit,
the coming marriage and the arrange
ments for its celebration.
Presently they were Joined by Ethel,
who had changed her black dress for
white satin one, and looked fairly well.
"Ah, Miss Danvers," said Sir Rowland.
81 am glad to see that you have some
what recovered from your indisposition.
Have you seen anything of those truants Z"
"Truants, Sir Rowlandr
"Yes; mean Rowland and Grace"
"No; /"
"Hem! Rowland, think, was sent for
by some one. Some letter came for him
somebody waiting. Where can they
have got tot They don't give me much
of their company, | must"
At this moment the door was flung open
and Rowland came into the room, looking
as fierce as trooper, an open letter in his
hand
"What on earth has happened Row.
land3D asked his father.
"What on earth has happened?' cried
Rowland. "Why l have been made a
fool of, that's all-the victim of hoax. l
should like to find out the perpetrator Of
IT,"
explain, Rowland"
"why, this letter was brought to me by
the footman about half an hour ago"
"Yes; sent him to you as he said it
was important"
"Just so. Listen"
And Rowland read it to the assembled
company,
~ went, of course" he said; "but there
was not the slightest sign of anyone
there. walked up and down. up and
down, but no one came"
Every extraordinary said Sir Row.
land. "You must make enquiries respect
ing the writer. Whoever the person is
we will let him-or her-know that prac-
teal jokes do not meet with approval
here. And where did you Leave"
At this point young gentleman dashed
at full speed into the room. His face was
very pale, and for few moments he
could not speak.
All that were seated hastily rose, and
said: "What has happenedf
'Oh!" cried the young gentleman ex-
citedly, at is awfulp
"Awfuli What is' Speakf" cried Row.
land.
"Miss Grace-she-she has fallen into
the lake and is drowned"
Rowland looked blankly at the speaker,
and then a wild cry Of despair left his
lips, as, without waiting for his hat he
ran from the room.
All pressed round the young gentle
man anxious to hear particulars, and
none appeared more eager than Ethel
Eagerl She appeared distracted, she
wrung her hands and cried bitterly.
In the midst OF their lamentations a