After the opinions had been well expressed, they grew mute, for the vessels began to labor eastward. It seemed as though their eyes must remain with the island, their heavy hearts drag them to the bottom. Alas, these poor Atlanteans!
When they had well gone on, Deucalion and Sensel stayed their course; and shortly bounded back to the place they had left, from there to watch the doomed Atlantis! That is, to watch the points within their vision of this great, this magnificent island.
CHAPTER XVII.
THE SINKING OF THE ISLAND.
The two watchers were interested not only in the island, but also in the galleys speeding eastward. Erelong, the galleys that had turned back thought better of their resolution; and changed course again in order to rejoin their fellows But one continued toward Atlantis, that containing Celesa’s relatives; and soon this disappeared, thus leaving Deucalion and Sensel sole spectators of the sequel of this frenzy of the elements.
Through the night, the island seemed as if afire from the continual thunderbolts and the volcano’s stream. The fiery river of the latter had coursed down mountain and hill to the sea, and was leaping the cliffs a tremendous fall of flame; whilst the released gases, in their detonation, outrivaled the thunder. And waterspout was succeeding waterspout, each discharging its angry contents; the rain, meanwhile, falling as do the avalanches. It was indeed a deluge.
Toward dawn, Sensel inquired, “Would it not be well to get farther away? Should the island sink we are too near.”
“There is yet time. Ah, the island rocketh again! Sensel, my heart faileth me.”
“The poor islanders! They merit it not.”
“The gods know.” Yet Deucalion’s face was drawn in agony. As for Sensel, his pallor was extreme. For many minutes, neither spoke; and their eyes were turned from the dreadful sight. Then Sensel said, “Let us beseech that they come out of this.” And he fell to plead silently, Deucalion emulating him. In the bounding boat, the two found it hard to keep on their knees as they implored heaven’s mercy, and hoped it would come.
But mercy was not for the island. They gave up hope when another volcano shot up, and poured its torrent broadcast to the left of the first. Then said Deucalion, “Let us press on until the island looketh to be on the line where sky and water meet.”