Nearer, nearer, and now all fear was gone, for the bold swimmer still showed an unfailing strength and energy. But his face was unknown. None had seen it before. Yet Borelloni knew it-well he knew it. The same face had appeared amid the death struggle, the dust and wild prancing of maddened horses on the Casino.
And now Mario touched the land. And now he bore his senseless burden through the crowd to her father's arms.
"O take her Mario, to the house-carry her there, or else she dies."
But Mario laid her down at her father's feet, upon the grass, and voicelessly, nervelessly fell down beside her.
They carried them both to the villa. They cared for them, and soon Mario opened his eyes and asked eagerly for Stella.
"She is saved, and well. She is with her father."
"Saved? then I am happy."
He arose, and all dripping as he was, left the house, in spite of the eagerness of the attendants.
"No," he said, "my home is near by, and why should I remain here? I will go. Leave me."
And he arose and left the house.