“I mean naught save to fall before thee. But I have the dread that the earth is about to fade away. Didst thou note the thick, dark look of the air before we came in here—and how gloomy was our supper room, even with its many lights?”
“I did.”
“And, King Atlano, hast thou noted how faint is the flame on the altar of the temple—and on this?”
“I have.”
“And these lamps in their paling?”
“I have.”
“Then what thinkest thou of it all?”
“It is that the air is heavier than common.”
“May such not be to our woe!”
“We can but wait and see.” Atlano’s laugh rang mockingly.