“The gardens have suffered comparatively little,” said Orondo. “Not finding thee here, I went to see them immediately after ablution and prayers.” “Tlamco has been spared much which hath befallen other sections,” responded Yermah. “The Monbas—Thou hast heard?” “I have heard,” said Orondo in a low voice. “My heart is still tender toward the high-priestess, Kerœcia. So long as I live, memory will hold her first among women.” Before Yermah could reply, he hastened to ask: “Hast thou news from Poseidon’s kingdom?” “My summons hence is hourly expected. I am already of the Brotherhood. Seest thou the sign manual given by Akaza?” He held up his hand while Orondo inspected the ring. “Runners were dispatched down the coast to communicate with the balsas coming in from Atlantis, but no answer was possible before my departure.” “Alcamayn desires speech with the Servitor Yermah,” announced a tamane, answering a command to enter. “Direct him here,” said Yermah. “Thou hast not seen him since coming?” he asked Orondo. When the two men had exchanged greetings, Alcamayn refused to disturb the conference. “My only office was to bring tidings from the far north. Cezardis of the Mazamas is here, more dead than alive from hardships unparalleled, and begs thou wilt give him leave to remain in Tlamco.” “Willingly. But how fares his countrymen?” “They are sore oppressed by the elements, especially by ice and snow, and there is only a handful of them left. The land of Ian is forever separated from this continent. An arm of the sea lies between them.” “Setos, come in! Thou art most welcome,” said Orondo, catching a glimpse of him through the open doorway. “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.