“It is better so. The race of men has now possession of the star,” said Regan. “I never liked those wings, those black and breathful sheets of power. The elf men will improve into a humanity. The wingless race is almost, if not entirely, human. To us and to our children is the star, Rondah!”
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE MYSTERY OF THE SUN ISLAND.
Of so great importance was the learning in the books that Regan and Rondah decided to explore the Sun Island and try to regain them.
Father Renaudin ventured to accompany them, although until he had entirely crossed the lava bridge he was not certain that the prohibition concerning his return had been removed. True, he had once stepped upon that sacred soil, but that was in what always seemed to him like a flash of lightning-like desperation and most dangerous presumption. He found no voice nor influence commanding him to retrace his steps, and the three proceeded to make a thorough exploration.
The beautiful isle lay before them, glowing like a gem, as much their own, it seemed, as any patch of earthly stubble. They had not seen it for several busy years. It was more enchanting than of yore. It even appeared larger. The rainbow cloud still hung above it, but the radiance of white, veiling light had gone with the wall. The heights of amber and garnet were clearly defined against the purplish sky of Jupiter. The amber palace stood, but no books were there.
For some days they had climbed the cliffs and penetrated to the ravines, when they were astonished to find near the sea a huge garnet gate. That it had been cut by men’s handicraft from a cliff near by they could see. It was hinged and bolted with silver.
It was open.
“We have found the secret of the isle!” exclaimed Father Renaudin.
“I doubt not we have found one of the secrets of the universe!” answered Regan.
“But,” slowly said Rondah, “shall we go in?”