“As I did say,” murmured Deucalion vaguely. Then he closed his eyes, for they were drawing very near. Already the Great Rock seemed looming over them.
“Round that point, Hellen, with speed,” he aroused to command. “Then shall we behold them!”
Hellen’s galley rounded the point, but not speedily; rather slowly, timidly. Would the vessels of Pyrrha and her friends be there moored? Would Pyrrha appear in answer to their shouts?
In the moment of rounding, none of these interested ones dared raise their eyes. But blessed sounds broke from the Atlantean sailors. In this moment of rounding, they burst into cheers, for all their saddened hearts. Then the fearing ones took courage. They lifted their eyes; they looked; they beheld the Pelasgian vessels lying as if enchanted on the bright, smooth waters of the beautiful haven.
The cheerings strengthened as the other vessels also rounded. These mighty tones quickly brought life to the enchanted vessels. Their decks filled with patient, faithful, loving ones whose joyous welcomings answered these newcomers—these returning Pelasgians, these sad-eyed Atlanteans.
But Deucalion, Æole and Hellen stood faint—waiting for the one form to appear. The moments seemed ages.
Though surely the hurrying of a few officers below on Pyrrha’s vessel boded good. The three strained their eyes for the view of that dear form when it should hasten to respond. Holding each other tight, they reeled, when an officer returned, leading, rather supporting a white-robed lady. That was she. That was the wife! That was the mother! Deucalion and his children staggered to the edge of the prow, to wave and kiss their hands. And it was “Pyrrha, wife!” “Mother!” “Mother!”
Pyrrha raised her head, and looked; and ran, weeping her thanks, to lean far over the vessel’s side, and hold out her arms.
On went the galleys toward her. When Hellen’s was alongside, the rope thrown, and the plank laid, such a speeding across as there was by Deucalion and Hellen, with Æole between.
Pyrrha awaited at the end of the plank. The spectators, as one, burst into cheers, when the four met and entwined. Though their fears were for the mother. Would she faint, perhaps sink under her happiness?