Malcolm was flying along the deck. But Nigel had reached her before the first hoarse shriek of his name came to an end; and he did not hesitate. As he sprang forward, he grasped Fulvia firmly, dragged her to the side of the vessel, and with one clear leap went over, Fulvia in his arms. There was a flash of red flame, followed by a heavy splash, and the two sank out of sight.
[CHAPTER IX]
WHISPERINGS
"For ebbing resolution ne'er returns,
But falls still further from its former shore."—HORNE.
"STOP! Stop! Put her about! Stop, I say!" roared Mr. Carden-Cox in a state of desperation which rendered him almost incapable of speech. He strode wildly about, while Anice and Rose continued to shriek, Daisy seemed turned to stone, and Malcolm flung off his coat.
But the two heads almost instantly rose, and Nigel shouted, "All right."
"I'm coming," cried Malcolm.
"No, no—only a rope!"
"A rope—a rope—hoy! Hey!—A rope, I say!—Put her about—stop—a rope!" spluttered Mr. Carden-Cox, seizing Malcolm's arm, and holding on like a vice, not in the least aware of what he did.
"I say! Let me go," expostulated Malcolm; "She'll be too much for him."