Instantly, Sensel went to the captain of the queen’s galley, who, thereupon, gave orders to the other galleys. Thus, all the galleys were speedily pointed for Atlantis, excepting the one appropriated to Hellen and Æole.
Then did Hellen’s and Æole’s thought turn to the downcast Electra. Indeed, poor Electra seemed overwhelmed. Hellen, feeling he could not part with her, grew fierce in his determination to the declaring, “Father, if Electra goeth back, I go with her!”
This was an unexpected obstacle, as Hellen looked a rock. For the moment, Deucalion felt he was not equal to it; and then spoke hesitatingly. “Queen Atlana, can we have Electra?”
The queen recovering somewhat, was resolute. “Sir Deucalion, Electra will go with me.”
“To go again into the temple?” demanded Hellen. “To be forced within the inner holy place? To—”
“To lose her life?” interrupted Deucalion. “To pour out her blood as water to aid the vain, fiendish quest of king and priest? To stand over the crucible, and stir this lifeblood until she perisheth of the drain? Thrice cursed draught! The ‘Deeps’ tell the tale!”
They stared aghast at Deucalion. But the queen interpreted. Every unguarded sentence, every sudden pause of Atlano reverted to her until she felt like accusing her memory for its tenacity. And her horror grew. Tornado-like it swept over her—the sufferings she had borne through him, his contempt, his neglect, his indignities, his infidelities. Now this revelation of Deucalion filled the measure.
Her spirit revolted. The words came clear and firm. “Electra will not go back. I go to the king without her. He can but yield me on the altar. Or try the blood of a queen, for change, in seeking his draught.”
Electra ran to embrace her. “Speak not of the altar, dear Queen. After that, I cannot leave thee.”
Atlana kissed her. “Dear Electra, I meant but to jest when I spoke of the altar. We know the need of my presence to the king.” Sad, bitter was her tone. Then, bethinking her of their present condition, remorse swept over her so that she tottered, and would have fallen but for Sensel.