The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 231: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

214 REYNOLDS’ WORKS Fortunately for him, however, his hand instantaneously en- countered the root of a tree, spreading out beneath the water, from the bank, and he was enabled to scramble safely back to a sure footing upon the land. ‘“ Help, help! in mercy’s sake, help! Edmund — villain — murderer — My God, help!” were again the wild cries which rang thrillingly forth in a voice of piercing agony, as for the second time Adelaide rose to the surface. Kdmund, full of horror at the fearful peril which he him- self had but that instant escaped from, leaned against the tree for support; his brain whirled, he appeared as if in the midst of an appalling dream. Again did the cries of his wife cease, again had she disappeared in the depths of the Trent. More than a minute now elapsed ere she rose again. Then it was but for a moment; nought but a gurgling sound, faint, low, and dismal, came from her lips, but her limbs were convulsing and battling desperately. It was a last effort, like the last flutter of a dying bird, and she sank to rise no more alive. Ere she went down, however, this third time, the murderer caught a glimpse of her countenance, the ex- pression of which was far more hideous with the agonies of death upon it than it had seemed before. Again did he recollect his mother’s words; he had seen her so down a third time, and giving vent to cries and yells, which indeed seemed full of frenzied horror, he rushed in the direction of the castle. But not many yards had he thus sped when he beheld a horseman galloping like the wind toward him, and in a few moments Squire Hawkshaw was upon the spot. ‘““ Good heavens! what is the matter? ” he exclaimed, per- ceiving Edmund alone, without his hat, and dripping with water. “My wife! my wife! my beloved Adelaide! There! there!’ and with gestures apparently frantic he pointed to the river. : Then flinging himself upon the bank, he moaned and howled horribly; but it was not altogether acting, for his feelings were indeed worked up to a fearful pitch, and the remorse as well as the terror he experienced were immense. Hawkshaw sprang from his steed, and hurried rapidly to and fro on the bank, ready to plunge in at the slightest indi- cation which the waters might afford in any particular spot CONNIE NO KS (E(0)