Ruth was honest and slowly shook her head. Yet she knew that her position as mentor, spiritual guide and good example became weaker should the ignoramus she was rebuking display more learning than herself. But Cyrus was too much absorbed in the bigness of his subject to think of himself or other trifles. "Why, Ruthy, it was a whole kingdom, this island--a continent. It was covered with beautiful temples, whole cities and lots of people. And all of a sudden--nobody knows why--it disappeared beneath the waves! And now, to-day, down at the bottom of the ocean those cities and those marble temples are still standing!" [Illustration: "AND NOW, TODAY, DOWN AT THE BOTTOM OF THE OCEAN, THOSE CITIES AND THOSE MARBLE TEMPLES ARE STILL STANDING"--_Page 123_] "Where was this island?" "Off to the west of Spain, and Africa. People think the Azores and the Canary Islands are the tops of mountains of that sunken country." Ruth said nothing, but the enchanting eyes spoke plainly of surprise and wonder. "When did that happen?" "Way back in ancient times; before Greece began." The enthusiasm of Cyrus produced its effect on Ruth, and the earnest eyes of Ruth had their usual effect on Cyrus. He laid one of his hands, in its gray worsted mitten, against the Guardian Angel's chest. "And, Ruthy, just think of those white marble temples! Just think of the streets and houses! Think of all the statues and the helmets, shields and swords and spears all lying around down there at the bottom of the ocean! Think of all the ornaments in gold and silver! And think, that in those great white cities with all their treasure, coral and sea plants grow instead of trees! And the only living things are fishes swimming in and out among the statues and the monuments, the palaces, the forums and the amphitheaters." The orator drew a long breath, then in a lower tone: "I'd give anything to spend a day in that place." Little batches of snow had gathered on the heads and shoulders of the two children. For a moment they stood in silence, Ruth gazing thoughtfully at Cyrus, Cyrus gazing in anger and contempt toward the school house. At this point there came a sudden change in the Guardian Angel's manner. She realized the necessity for different tactics. Familiar with Cyrus's astonishing cleverness in argument she suspected that he was justifying his own guilt by this dazzling display of wisdom. Then came a swift transformation in the irresistible eyes, from sympathy to rebuke. "Stop," she said. Cyrus stopped--midway in a sentence. "Those reasons you can tell to teacher. They are no excuse for being a lazy boy; I shall tell your father unless you do better." Then she turned and walked away, striking her cold hands together for warmth. Cyrus followed, treading the narrow path in the snow made by horse's feet.