r. Hast thou any more respecting
this strange belief?'

'Only this: One day when on the mountain yonder two men were near. I
hid, but close enough to listen.'

'Who were they?'

'One was Chios, the other his teacher, one of the chiefs of the
Christians.'

'What did they say?'

'I heard the old man speak in prophecy, saying the time was not far away
when the beautiful city beneath them should crumble to decay, the
temples perish, and the altars be broken and buried deep in the earth,
until men should seek for the glories and religion of Ephesus, but
should search in vain--that the faith of the goddess should be but a
broken note in the great hymn which the ages sing. More he said, but all
of the same import.'

'What kind of man was this prophet?'

'He was mean in appearance, possessing an intellect like the mind of a
god. His eyes were piercing, and his spirit consumed his flesh; his body
was but a disguise. Surely within that frail and plainly-built structure
there resided a soul which has circled around the central throne of the
King of the universe. He is a messenger from Him, whoever He may be.'

'Endora--Myrtile may I call thee?--go! Be careful of the message to
Chios. My life--everything depends on its safe delivery. Place it
carefully, and speed away. The message demands action this day.'

* * * * *

Endora crept up the avenue of myrtles to the door of Chios, and timidly
knocked at it.

'I have a message for thee.'

'From whom didst thou receive it?'

'From the High Priestess, Saronia.'

'What knowest thou of her? Thou mockest me.'

'No, I do not. Read it. Thou wilt see her in every line.'

He eagerly glanced at the message, and turned deadly pale.

'Come within, Endora.'

'Thou knowest my name. How so?'

'It matters little. I know thy name.'

As the old woman moved into the studio, a strange, weird light lit up
her cold, sinister face, and she gazed around at the beauties displayed
there.

'Sit down and rest. Dost thou know the contents of this message?'

'No.'

'Then I will tell thee. Saronia has trusted thee; I must. She cannot
err; her judgment is good, and I abide by it.'

'Ah, ah!' laughed Endora. 'I am safe, noble Greek. Thou canst trust me.
The High Priestess confides in me; Chios may do the same. Shall I
swear?'

'No; but look into my eyes, and tell me thou wilt be true.'

As she gazed into his eyes a shudder passed through her, and for an