“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. “Thou art destitute of humanity,” exclaimed Orondo, springing forward and supporting the fallen head on his knee. “Thy brutal abruptness is wanting in loyalty,” he continued, as long, white streaks mingled with the ruddy bronze about his sternly set mouth and chin. “When thou art in Tlamco longer thou wilt find that discontent is rampant—that Yermah no longer has a united following,” returned Setos, surprised at the outburst into saying more than he had intended. “If so, thou art at fault. Speak not thus to me, Setos! I know that thou wert called a black magician in Poseidon’s kingdom, and that none of the White Brotherhood except Akaza would suffer thy presence among the chosen.” Orondo’s face was ablaze with indignation, while Setos and Alcamayn exchanged significant glances. “Thou art unduly exercised, Orondo,” mildly interposed the jeweler. “Setos meant no offense. Stress of the times and Yermah’s long affliction have caused people to babble idly. When once he is among them, and when the earth is stable again, it will all pass like mere vaporings.” “I had sought thee for private conference on this very subject,” said Setos, apologetically. “And thou hast my answer,” repeated Orondo, his eyes still sparkling angrily. Alcamayn assisted in the restoration, and Setos was constrained to pull up a reclining chair, as the prostrate figure was being assisted to rise. “Thou wilt not repeat?” whispered Setos, guiltily. “Not until thou hast forgotten to be loyal,” assented Orondo, looking him squarely in the face. “Am I going mad, or am I dying?” wailed Yermah, pushing his fingers up through his tangled hair. “Did I hear aright? Tell me, Setos—didst thou say that our native land and all our people are blotted out?” “Such is the word from Mayax. They also report that the land of the Mexi is split from east to west with a great rent in the earth, from which seven great volcanoes have sent fire and smoke ever since the crevice closed. In that section the disturbance came from the east, and went far out into the surviving islands of the lost Lemuria on the west.” Alcamayn and Orondo shared Yermah’s consternation; but, like Setos, they never expected to return to Atlantis, and therefore their interest was not so personal and keen. Yermah still seemed stupefied, but he roused himself by a mighty effort of will.