So the man had told the truth after all.

Our guide instantly gave a password, which the soldier acknowledged by letting the iron shaft of his spear fall with a ringing sound upon the pavement, and we passed on through the massive wall into the courtyard of the palace.

This was about forty yards square, and laid out in flower-beds full of lovely shrubs and plants, many of which were quite new to me.

Through the centre of this garden ran a broad walk formed of powdered shells brought from the lake in the place of gravel.

Following this we came to another doorway with a round heavy arch, which is hung with thick curtains, for there are no doors in the palace itself.