He led them into a room that evidently was his study, for in it they saw many strange instruments, and on a table a number of loosely bound sheets of parchment that were his books. They took the seats he offered and looked around them curiously.
"There is the clock we spoke of," said the Chemist, indicating one of the larger instruments that stood on a pedestal in a corner of the room. "Reoh will explain it to you."
Their host addressed the Chemist. "From Oteo I hear—the news to-day is bad?" he asked with evident concern.
"I am afraid it is," the Chemist answered seriously.
"And Lylda?"
The Chemist recounted briefly the events of the day. "We can only wait until Lylda returns," he finished. "To-morrow we will talk with the king."
"Bad it is," said the old man slowly; "very bad. But—we shall see——"
The Very Young Man had risen to his feet and was standing beside the clock.
"How does it work?" he asked. "What time is it now?"
Reoh appealed to his son-in-law. "To tell of it—the words I know not."