As he came to the surface and looked round there was nothing but the spreading circles of his own plunge to be seen; but a moment afterwards, close to the bank, he had a glimpse of something black rising for an instant and then disappearing.

Three strokes brought him to the spot just as the object rose again.
To seize it and strike out for the bank was the work of a moment.

The man--for it was he--was alive, and as Jeffreys slowly drew him from the water he opened his eyes and made a faint resistance.
"Let me go!" he said with an oath; "let me go!" But his head fell heavily on his rescuer's shoulder while he spoke, and when at last he lay on the path he was senseless.
Jeffreys carried him to the shelter of an arch, and there did what he could to restore animation.

It was too dark to see the man's face, but he could feel his pulse still beating, and presently he gave a sigh and moved his head.
"What did you do it for ?" he said piteously.
Jeffreys started.

He knew the voice, hoarse and choked as it was.
"What's your name ?" he said, raising the form in his arms and trying to see the face.