ile she
could see by Tom's gestures that he was vainly expostulating with her
upon her imprudence.

Mellen went into the hall and out on the veranda, with some vague idea
of trying to attract the imprudent girl's attention by signals; but the
skiff was far off, and Elsie too much occupied to observe them.

Elizabeth threw down her work and followed him, standing by his side in
silent apprehension.

"She is mad!" exclaimed Mellen, "absolutely mad!"

Elsie's gay laugh rang over the waters, and they could see Tom
expostulating with more animated gestures.

"She will fall overboard, as sure as fate!" cried Mellen. "Oh! Elsie,
Elsie!"

But the exclamation could not reach the reckless creature; probably she
would have paid no attention had she heard it.

"Oh, see how it rocks!" cried Elizabeth with a shiver.

"She is frightened at her own recklessness," said Mellen, "but will not
stop, because it disturbs Tom."

"Perhaps there is less danger than we think," began Elizabeth, but a cry
from her husband checked the words.

She looked--the boat had tipped till the edge was even with the water;
suddenly Elsie tottered, lost her balance--there was a smothered shriek
from the distance--then she disappeared under the crested waves.

CHAPTER XXXVII.

THE AFTER STRUGGLE.

Mellen sprang down the steps and rushed across the lawn, with some mad
idea of trying to rescue his sister; and, following as well as her
trembling limbs would permit, Elizabeth saw Tom throw off his coat and
plunge into the water.

"He will save her!" she cried; "he will save her!"

Mellen only answered by a groan; he was looking wildly about for a boat,
but there was none in sight; thus powerless to aid his darling--he could
only stand and watch the struggles of another to rescue her from that
death peril. They saw an object rise above the waves--saw Tom swim
towards it--seize it--he had caught the girl in his arms. The couple on
the lawn could neither move nor cry out; but stood in breathless
expectation, and watched him support his burthen with one arm, while
with the other he swam towards the skiff, which the tide was bearing in
towards the shore. It was a long pull; they could see that he began to
falter after his exertions in rowing; a deathly fear crept over both
those hearts, but they did not speak--scarcely breathed.

Suddenly an outgoing wave washed the helpless girl from Tom's grasp; she
was sinking again. Strong man as he was,