CHAPTER XXX.
The whole town, gathered below, waited in an awful silence. The shock of this danger had come upon them like a day of judgment.
Dylar stood apart, gazing alternately at the signals and at Iona’s form, the blue flutter of her garments like a puff of smoke on the mountain side.
No one ventured to approach him.
There was a struggle in his mind. What should he do with these men? A fierce rage was boiling in his heart toward them. It was of their own seeking—the meddlers!
A hand was laid on his arm. Professor Pearlstein stood beside him. They were in the Square near the pulpit, on the front of which were letters of gold. His hand still pressing Dylar’s arm, the old man stretched his staff out and drew it along the words:Thou shalt not kill.
Dylar turned away, and began to walk to and fro. He became aware of his people all about him, and of Tacita, her child in her arms, crouched on a mat at his feet. She gave the infant to a woman near her, and went to link her arm in his.
“My Love,” she said, “the torrent is turned. It was turned before the door was open.”
He stopped to look at the signals. He had notlooked for half an hour. The door was open; but the road had first been closed.
A murmur of prayer rose trembling. The shock had been too great. The strain was yet too great.
And then again the signals changed. All danger was over. The strangers were gone on their way.
And yet the people waited, only whispering their thanksgiving.
Soon came the signal that all was well, and Elena at the Pines ready to enter.
Then the bells were rung and they sang “Te Deum.”
But no one went indoors. Not till Elena had come, till all was explained, could they think of anything else.
The messenger from the castle arrived with his story, and the cards of their visitors.
“Don Claudio Loredan!” exclaimed Tacita, looking at her husband.