Well was it for Sensel that the two saw not the glad light that came into his eyes, the happy color that swept over his face. As for the silent one, the expression that irradiated him was not detected, either, as, at the beginning of Oltis’ words to Urgis, he had turned as if to walk away. Yet again, and instantly, did he face them, for Hellen’s voice was ringing:
“O ‘Silent Priest’ I thank thee, I bow to thee. In truth art thou of the gods—as the islanders say!”
The silent one stretched out his hands to him in blessing; and then, with a peculiar look at Oltis, moved away. Oltis, with a strange drooping about him, turned to Sensel with the order, “See the youth well away.”
Then to Hellen, he added, “Youth, go. But forget not—that olden laws and olden prophecies will not ever be at hand to save thee.”
When Hellen had bowed to each, he turned after Sensel; and followed his gliding, quivering, dust-colored self to the gateway of the outer court. After Sensel, without one word, had left him, Hellen went on to the palace as if in a dream, absorbed over the ‘Silent Priest.’ Wonderful was the power of this grand man, amazing the hopefulness that possessed him when this being came opposite him! Was he, indeed, more than mortal as the islanders hinted? Or were his powers natural in themselves, but seldom bestowed upon man?
That evening, it was evident to Æole and Electra that Hellen was unduly disturbed, for his voice was husky, his eyes and color feverish. As to themselves, they were very pale; and Æole owned to a feeling of weakness, even looking in apprehension at the hill they were about to mount. Perceiving this, Hellen, as he took an arm of each, whispered:
“Let us not climb the tower. We will go to the alley on its right. There no one cometh this late. Though, there are ears in the air.”
“It is not so safe as the tower, Hellen.”
“There is still the noise of the bulls, Æole.”
“I forgot. May their zeal be great!”