“Thanks, ye gods! Thanks that I came in time. Thanks for these powers that have aided me to this. Ah—Æole—Hellen—to have you again in Pelasgia. To bring you to the arms of your mother!”
Most terrible was the cry that burst from Oltis. In his horror at this, sudden revelation, he started to his feet—but only to sink to his couch, helpless. Untold agony was upon him. Light had come that was paralyzing, blinding. Groan after groan rent his stiffened body.
Deucalion arose to gaze at him; and quickly he calmed almost to stupor. Then Deucalion questioned him.
“Where got ye the coffins?”
“They were made in Khemi;[[20]] and brought into the vault in the darkest night.”
“Doth Kluto know aught of this?”
“He knoweth not. He was raised to this inner holy place as thou camest. He hath not been told.”
“The other higher priests know?”
“They know, and aided, hoping for the draught. In the temples of all the great cities are the priests seeking. I have been among them.” Here was a sigh that had terrible meaning.
“The rulers, like the king, have aided?”