The Argosy — page 231: what you’re looking at

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

212 The Tenant of The Cedars. ‘So be it, dear angel,” he whispered ; “I will do your bidding— if it is not too late.” Without another word he threw off his coat and plunged into the stream. A few vigorous strokes brought him to the spot where the baronet had sunk for a second time. He dived, and presently re- appeared supporting him with one muscular arm, while with the other he struck out for the bank. But his movements were impeded by Sir Philip, who clung to him with the convulsive energy of a drowning man, ‘Tf you value your life, loose my arms! How can I swim, ham- pered like this ?” I heard Underwood cry, as the swift current swept them on past a turn of the stream. I hurried along the bank, but it was some moments before I caught sight of them again. The gar- dener was still struggling in a desperate but ineffectual effort to shake off the frantic clasp which was dragging them both under water. As I stood watching them with breathless anxiety, a passing cloud veiled the moon, and for a moment blotted out the scene. In that brief interval of darkness a wild despairing cry rose above the rush- ing of the river and the roaring of the wind. When the moon looked forth again they had sunk to rise no more. The bodies of the two men, still closely locked together, were found, entangled in water-weeds, some yards lower down the stream. The account I gave of the accident was confirmed by the condition of the bridge, and my statement that Underwood had perished in en- deavouring to save his master, caused a complete revulsion of feeling towards the gardener, who having been shunned as a criminal during his life-time, was honoured as a hero after his death. What brought Sir Philip to the cottage that night remained a mystery to all but myself. Immediately after the inquest I returned to town, feeling no inclination to remain in a place haunted by such terrible associations. I have never revisited Ranstone, nor until now have I ever disclosed what I know concerning the beautiful but ill- fated tenant of The Cedars. $< PBEDEa-— EGomichbookssco