noon
In the distance was heard the crash of falling roofs . The cloud seemed to roll towards the assembly , casting forth from its bosom showers of ashes mixed with fragments of burning stone . Then the burning mountain cast up columns of boiling water . In the ghastly night thus rushing upon the realm of noon , all thought of justice and of Arbaces left the minds of the terrified people . There ensued a mad flight for the sea . Through the darkness Nydia guided Glaucus , now partly recovered from the effects of the poisoned draught , and Ione to the shore . Her blindness rendered the scene familiar to her alone .