CHAPTER IX.
THE ‘SILENT PRIEST.’
During the earthquake, Hellen had tried to force his way to Æole and Electra in face of the panic-stricken throng pressing toward the portal. He would have been crushed had not the people quieted under the magnetism of the ‘Silent Priest.’
Æole and Electra were standing close to the statue of Poseidon when the queen became prostrated because of the king’s baleful looks. And they could not hope to get beside her, so great was the surging of the people.
Then appeared this ‘Silent Priest.’ From the first glance, Æole had stood motionless, fascinated; and aroused only when her companions began to sing and march. During the evolutions, her eyes were continually turning to him. When in her place again beside the statue, she saw only him, heard not Oltis when he attempted his speech. Then came the shock of the mysterious voice.
“Ah, Electra, it speaketh again,” she whispered: “It is the voice of our friend.”
“Yea, but not the voice of a friend to these Atlanteans. Look at the queen!”
Æole turned to perceive both king and queen gazing stonily at the statue. She responded:
“Electra, I fear for her. Let us get to her.”
Desperately they tried to make their way, but vain was their puny strength. It was some relief when the queen sat down; but again she arose when the voice came from the rear; and was as marble until the earthquake when she fell in Rica’s arms.
Æole, of her dizziness, would have fallen also, had not a strong arm upheld her, and a tender voice whispered: