“Knowledge of thy presence hath but newly found me, and I came direct in quest of thee,” said Setos, embracing Orondo. “This dread calamity is lessened, since thou art preserved.”
“If unalloyed happiness were possible, thy speech would give it me,” responded Orondo.
Yermah was about to dismiss Alcamayn, when Setos saluted him pompously, as became the head of the military.
There was the shadow of a smile on Orondo’s face as he noted the new air of dignity, and he reflected that it was quite like the man to think of self in the midst of such appalling disaster.
It was evident, from Setos’s punctilious, ceremonious manner, that he was the bearer of important news. His face and voice bespoke gratified vanity as he said:
“Hast thou had audience with the emissaries from Poseidon’s kingdom?”
“No,” answered Yermah, trying to read the masked countenance before him. “Art thou advised of the import?”
“Yes. It is most terrible. Through the agencies of earthquake and tidal wave, the whole island of Atlantis, with every living thing, is on the bed of the ocean.”
A sharp, agonized cry from Yermah, who swooned and fell face downward at the feet of Setos, prevented further remark.
“His proud warrior spirit quails under him,” said that individual peering at him curiously, but offering no assistance. “His courage kisses the ground before disappointed ambition. For the first time he knows fear.” Setos’s words were between a sneer and a hiss.