When he stepped out on to the platform twilight had come--the swift twilight of the East.

Before he had reached the dak-bungalow the twilight had changed to the splendour of an Indian night.

The bungalow was empty of visitors.

Thresk's bearer lit a fire and prepared dinner while Thresk wandered outside the door and smoked.

He looked across a plain to a long high ridge, where once a city had struggled.