All that day a deep depression had taken hold of the occupants of the little cottage, and they were all very quiet. “Masters, motor over to Arroch Head,” said Sir John, about six in the evening, “and if you can get no further news, ring up the offices of the Scotsman. Tell the Editor you are speaking for me. He will give you the latest news, I am sure.” Masters was back within the hour, his face blanched, his hands trembling.
“Well?” asked Sir John. “Is it as bad as all that?”
“It’s terrible,” replied Masters. “It’s coming nearer home. Rome has gone entirely—so have Naples and Athens. Spain and Portugal are under water. Authentic news is hard to get, as telephonic and cable communication in many places have failed. Some air scouts were sent to investigate, and witnessed the destruction of Spain. The air disturbances were so great that it was with the greatest difficulty they managed to reach England in safety.”
“Do they think this visitation will reach us?” asked Desmond, the picture of his wife and child coming before his eyes.
“The Scotsman says that so far the Meteorological Office reports no disturbances within eighty miles in all directions of our coast. They hold out a hope, that being an island, we may escape,” said Masters brokenly.
There was no sleep for any one that night; but the morning came and brought with it a blue sky and a gentle wind. There was not even a hint of disaster in the clear atmosphere. Hector got the big Napier out, and all but Desmond motored in to Arroch Head. He stayed behind with Mavis, to keep all breath of disaster from her ears. The little village street was full of white faced men, women and children, children frightened because their parents were frightened, yet realizing nothing of the danger ahead.
“Any news?” asked Sir John, of old Weelum McGregor, the hotel keeper.
“Aye, sir, an’ it’s no verra guid. Paris is on fire the noo. There was an internal explosion in the neighbourhood of Versailles yestere’en, and soon the roads were running with molten lava. Paris caught fire, and every one is powerless to suppress it.”
Three days passed. England and Scotland were isolated—entirely cut off from the outer world. They had just to wait and pray that their time of tribulation would not come. The night was extraordinarily dark, the wind moaned and rose in mighty gusts. The rain came down in torrents. The thunder rolled in the distance, and occasionally flashes of lightning lit up the horizon.
Mavis was very restless. “Is anything the matter, Dez?” she asked, as he sat by her bedside.