Its deserted towers and crumbling walls still crowned the height and made a habitation for beasts and birds.

But they were quite hidden now and the sharp line of the ridge was softened.

Halfway between the old city and the bungalow a cluster of bright lights shone upon the plain and the red tongues of a fire flickered in the open.

Thresk was in no hurry to go back to the bungalow.

The first chill of the darkness had gone.