For Sensel had most suddenly disappeared.
But even as they began to look about for him he reappeared, coming from the direction of the withdrawing room. And in each hand was held a lamp of beautiful pattern. These he hastened to lay before Deucalion.
“Thou hast it, Sensel,” exclaimed the latter, his eyes brightening.
“Yea I thought this oil might ease the troubled waters.”
“Thou thinkest of everything.”
“Thou hast taught me.”
“What meaneth it, father?” interposed the wondering Hellen.
“It is the Pelasgian custom in storms, Hellen. Tell him, Sensel.”
“I will. But first, there is quite a vessel of oil upon thy galley, Hellen, as I found when I was saving the food from that torrent. It is for thee to order that a little of that oil be dropped upon the water about thy galley when we have done the like with this.”
“I will to it, Sensel. But, meanest thou that the oil hath the power to still the waves?”