He was on that jom to perform his horrible office of Sar Tabakin, and as he accosted me he smiled the smile of a demon, and congratulated me on my coming escape from life.

To this I had no word of answer to make; but my hands held my rifle and pistol, and these I clutched with a firmer grasp as my last hour approached.
The time of departure at length arrived.

Soldiers of the Kosekin came, following the paupers, who went first, while the guards came after me.
Thus we all emerged into the open air.

There the broad terrace already mentioned spread out before my eyes, filled with thousands upon thousands of human beings.

It seemed as though the entire population of the city was there, and so densely packed was this great crowd that it was only with great difficulty that a way was laid open for our passage.
Above was the sky, where the stars were twinkling faintly.