It is true that there was plenty of water in the moat, which was fed by a perennial stream that flowed down the face of the precipice behind; but pumping engines of any sort were quite unknown to the Abati, who, if a building took fire, just let it burn, contenting themselves with safeguarding those in its neighbourhood.

Moreover, even in the palace, such articles as pails, jugs, or other vessels were comparatively few and far between.
Those that we could find, however, were filled with water and passed by lines of men to the places in most danger--that is, practically everywhere--while other men tried to cut off the advance of the flames by pulling down portions of the building.
But as fast as one fire was extinguished others broke out, for the rain of burning darts and of lighted pots or lamps filled with oil descended continuously from the cliff above.

A strange and terrible sight it was to see them flashing down through the darkness, like the fiery darts that shall destroy the wicked in the day of Armageddon.
Still, we toiled on despairingly.

On the roof we four white men, and some soldiers under the command of Japhet, were pouring water on to several of the gilded domes, which now were well alight.

Close by, wrapped in a dark cloak, and attended by some of her ladies, stood Maqueda.