There was a simultaneous looking backward to discover this speaker. Oltis stared in the same direction, paling even to his lips. Fearful was the hush that followed. At length, he desperately resumed:
“On this day so promising—”
But paused to gaze, petrified, at the people, who were reflecting his stony horror.
Far off, beneath the waters, was beginning a loud, menacing rumbling! It was approaching the island! On—on—it was coming—even to beneath their feet! Was the sea pouring into the bowels of the earth?
As they stood dazed, the massive walls began to shake violently, threatening to fall inward—the accompaniment to the earth now quivering fast beneath—that earth they had deemed so solid, so stable!
With the cry of panic, the islanders began to rush upon each other, no purpose in their movements. Great loss of life would have resulted had not the silver gong sounded imperatively.
The frantic people turned to see it held by the ‘Silent Priest,’ who was still standing in his place with mien undaunted. He returned their agonized looks by smiles; then gesticulated that the worst was over. Indeed, the earth was already quieting. Next, he pointed to Queen Atlana, as if beseeching their consideration. They looked to perceive her fainting in the arms of the Lady Rica. Then they calmed.
The oscillations had ceased. Atlano, haggard and trembling, signed that the queen must be taken out. Accordingly, she was placed in a chair and borne by some of the nobles to her chariot, the people looking on mute, motionless.
But when she had been borne out, they began to hasten after her, with no regard for the benediction Oltis was endeavoring to mutter. When king and priests alone remained, these, by one accord, speeded to their respective passages, thence to escape into the air. Surely such a convulsion must have direfully disfigured the face of nature.
But without, all was bright, serene, unchanged. Not a stone had fallen. But—what did it mean? Never within the island’s existence, had there been any evidence of the earth’s instability. And it was Poseidon’s Festival Day! Was there warning in this?