At that moment a plunge was heard in the water from the edge of the
quay far below the parapet, and a dark form was traced making its
way through the water with that strong bold stroke that shows the
effort of a confident and powerful swimmer.
"Thank God some one has seen his fall from below, and they will
rescue him," said Don Gonzales, springing swiftly down the Plato
steps, followed by Isabella and the officers, and seeking the street
that led to the quay below.
"O hasten, father, hasten!" exclaimed Isabella, impatiently.
"Nay, Isabella, my old limbs totter with fear for dear Ruez," was
the hasty reply of the old don, as he hurried forward with his
daughter.
"Dear, dear Ruez," exclaimed Isabella, hysterically.
Dashing by the guard stationed on the quay, who presented arms as
his superiors passed, they reached its end in time to see, through
the now dim twilight, the efforts of some one in the water
supporting the half insensible boy with one arm, while with the
other he was struggling with almost superhuman effort against the
steady set of the tide to seaward. Already were a couple of seamen
lowering a quarter-boat from an American barque, near by, but the
rope had fouled in the blocks, and they could not loose it.
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