d as a deity; yet she was
forgiven. But at last her evil cleverness has discovered to her the
tremendous Secret of Life and Death, and there she overstepped the
boundary of the High Gods' forbearance.

"I myself went to carry a final warning, and once more faced her in
the great banqueting-hall. Solemnly I recited to her the edict, and she
chose to take it as a challenge. She would live on eternally herself and
she would share her knowledge with those that pleased her. Tatho that
was her husband should also be immortal. Indeed, if she thought fit, she
would cry the secret aloud so that even the common people might know it,
and death from mere age would become a legend.

"She cared no wit how she might upset the laws of Nature. She was
Phorenice, and was the highest law of all. And finally she defied me
there in that banqueting-hall and defied also the High Gods that stood
behind my mouth. 'My magic is as strong as yours, you pompous fool,'
she cried, 'and presently you shall see the two stand side by side upon
their trial.'

"She began to collect an army from that moment, and we on our part made
our preparations. It was discovered by our arts that you still lived,
and King of Atlantis you were made by solemn election. How you were
summoned, you know as nearly as it is lawful that one of your degree
should know; how you came, you understand best yourself; but here you
are, my brother, and being King now, you must order all things as you
see best for the preservation of your high estate, and we others live
only to give you obedience."

"Then being King, I can speak without seeming to make use of a threat.
I must have my Queen first, or I am not strong enough to give my whole
mind to this ruling."

"She shall be brought here."

"So! Then I will be a General now, and see to the defences of this
place, and view the men who are here to stand behind them."

I went out of the dwelling then, Zaemon giving place and following me.
It was night still but there is no darkness on the upper part of the
Sacred Mountain. A ring of fires, fed eternally from the earth-breath
which wells up from below, burns round one-half of the crest, lighting
it always as bright as day, and in fact forming no small part of its
fortification. Indeed, it is said that, in the early dawn of history,
men first came to the Mountain as a stronghold because of the natural
defence which the fires offered.

There is no bridging these flames or smotherin