“Beware of him!”
CHAPTER X.
LIGHT ON THE PATH.
The next evening, when Æole and Electra came out upon the hillside, Hellen was not awaiting them. Then did each own to anxiety; and, as the moments speeded, their uncertainty became sickening. Finally, as some relief, Æole proposed that they should go on to the alley. To this both inclined, the more as voices were heard nearing the temple from the southward. In the alley they would be quite secure from interruption, as it was seldom traversed after nightfall.
So they sought its shade; and, just within its entrance, paused to await Hellen.
Exceeding was their relief when he joined them a little later. Hard was he panting, not so much from his run, as from dread that he had missed them. He muttered:
“It hath been sore trouble to get here. It seemed as though the messages of the king would end not.”
“It may be his thought to stop these meetings,” spoke Æole.
“The voice is yet too young,” reasoned Electra. “Though, Oltis may master him. Ah, that voice! My father told of one that was heard in a temple of Khemi, and how the people hearkened unto it.”
“It seemeth a helper either of gods or man,” said Æole. “It is ever in my thought that it cometh of our parents, whether they be of earth or heaven.”
“Let us hope they are in heaven, Æole.” Hellen’s voice was savage in his despair. “If they are of earth, shame upon them!”