By degrees others appeared wandering in troops of ten, twelve, or twenty-five men; many were driving goats or a limping cow.
Their heavy sticks bristled with brass points; cutlasses gleamed in their clothes, which were savagely dirty, and they opened their eyes with a look of menace and amazement.

As they passed some sent them a vulgar benediction; others obscene jests, and Schahabarim's man replied to each in his own idiom.

He told them that this was a sick youth going to be cured at a distant temple.
However, the day was closing in.

Barkings were heard, and they approached them.
Then in the twilight they perceived an enclosure of dry stones shutting in a rambling edifice.

A dog was running along the top of the wall.