Втрачений континент: історія Атлантиди
13. The Burying Alive Of Nais
Andforrespite,wemusttrusttotheancientknowledge,whichinitsdayhasbeensentoutfromtheArkoftheMysteries.”—Itookthegreenwaxyballinmyfingers,andstretchedthemdownthecrookedair-shafttothefullofmyspan.—“Ihavesomewhatforyouhere.Reachupandtrytocatchitfromme.”
Iheardthefaintrustleofherarmasitsweptagainstthemasonry,andthentheballwastakenoverintohergrasp.Gods!whatathrillwentthroughmewhenthefingersofNaistouchedmine!Icouldnotseeher,becauseofthecrookednessoftheshaft,butthatfainttouchofherwasexquisite.
“Ihaveit,”shewhispered.“Andwhatnow,dear?”
“Youwillhidethethinginyourgarment,andwhento-morrowtheupperstoneclosesdownuponyouandthelightisgone,thenyouwilltakeitbetweenyourlipsandletitdissolveasitwill.Sleepwilltakeyou,mydarling,then,andtheHighGodswillwatchoveryou,eventhoughcenturiespassbeforeyouareroused.”
“IfDeucaliondoesnotwakeme,Ishallprayneveragaintoopenaneye.Andnowgo,mylordandmydear.Theywatchmehereconstantly,andIwouldnothaveyouharmedbybeingbroughttonotice.”
“Yes,Imustgo,mysweetheart.Itwillnotdotohaveourschemespoiledbyafoolishloitering.MaythemostHighGodsattendyourrest,andifthesacrificewemakefindsfavour,mayTheygrantusmeetinghereagainonearthbeforewemeet—aswemust—whenourtimeisdone,andTheytakeusuptoTheirownplace.”
“Amen,”shewhisperedback,andthen:“Kissyourfingers,dear,andthrustthemdowntome
