It was as if nature were doing her best to save the ancient city from the hand of the spoiler.

At last, and so suddenly that it came upon them like a shock, they found themselves emerging from the jungle.

Below them, in the valley, peering up out of the forest, was all that remained of a great city, upon the ruined temples of which the setting sun shone with weird effect.
"At last," said Hayle, bringing his pony to a standstill, and looking down upon the ruins.

"Let us hope we shall have penetrated their secret before we are compelled to say good-bye to them again." "Hear, hear, to that," said Kitwater; Septimus Codd, however, never said a word; the magic hand of the past was upon his heart, and was holding him spellbound.
They descended the hill, and, when they had selected a suitable spot, decided to camp upon it for the night.
Next morning they were up betimes; the excitement of the treasure-hunt was upon each man, and would not let him tarry.

It would not be long now, they hoped, before they would be able to satisfy themselves as to the truth of the story they had been told, and of the value of the hopes in which they had put their trust.