The guards encircling Atlano appeared alarmed. Already they were fearing some manifestation against him. But he, with wonderful coolness, replied to Oltis, “How are we to believe that the gods thus will?”
“In like manner as the people believed that, at will of the gods, the handmaids were forced into the inner holy place—never to be seen more!” Loud rang the imperial voice, seeming to be thrown from high above.
Atlano paled in a terrible way. Many of the priests fell on their faces. The people groaned, and pressed about the guards so that the latter were forced to point their spears and raise their battle axes. And, oh the sullen discomfiture smoldering in some eyes, the menacing lightning ready to dart from others!
But Atlano was brave. He spoke again, with boldness, “Oltis, go within. Thou art feeble, too feeble, to stand there. Thy mind giveth way—as hath thy body. Go within.”
Oltis indeed proved the weakness of his body by falling against the ‘Silent Priest,’ who lifted him, and bore him inside, after signifying that he would return.
When Oltis had been laid upon his couch in the inner sanctuary, the ‘Silent Priest’ reappeared before the ominously quiet people, and signed that he would at once depart, recommended them to the mercy of the gods, blessed them, and bade farewell.
Then to Sensel, who was near, he delivered a roll of papyrus addressed to the queen.
As for Atlano, he felt it was policy to be quiescent. After the besotted conduct of Oltis, there was no knowing what might happen. As to the voice, he would still disclaim it.
Then, as the ground was resting of its tremors, he ordered the guards to disperse the excited, awakening islanders. When the great court was quite emptied, he entered the temple to seek Oltis that he might upbraid him for his faint-heartedness.
Speedily he was beside the wretched high priest, who lay with closed eyes, scarcely breathing: though not a word was vouchsafed to all his questions and vituperations. Thus, as a resource, he bethought him of the queen and her charges; and, returning to the courtyard, called his guards, and drove to the palace.