_The Dead City_ The city without life lay handsomely along a river in the early sunlight of a September morning.

Death had seemingly not been long upon it, nor had it made any scar.

No breach or rent or disorder or sign of violence could be seen.

The long, shaded streets breathed the still airs of utter peace and quiet.

From the half-circle around which the broad river bent its moody current, the neat houses, set in cool, green gardens, were terraced up the high hill, and from the summit of this a stately marble temple, glittering of newness, towered far above them in placid benediction.
Mile after mile the streets lay silent, along the river-front, up to the hilltop, and beyond into the level; no sound nor motion nor sign of life throughout their length.