Is the woman of whom I spoke to you here ?" "She is in attendance, your Highness." "She understands that she will not be required unless my other passenger should desire to accompany us ?" "She understands perfectly, your Highness." Prince Shan stepped through his private exit on to the narrow wooden platform.

Already the mighty engines had started, purring softly but deeply, like the deep-throated murmurings of a giant soon to break into a roar.

It was a light, silvery morning, with hidden sunshine everywhere.

On the other side of the vast amphitheatre of flat, cinder-covered ground, the Downs crept upwards, rolling away to the blue-capped summit of a distant range of hills.

Northwards, the pall of London darkened the horizon.