"There is no other road like that, anywhere in existence.

The Damascus-Mecca line is unique; a Moslem line built by Moslems, for Moslems only Modern mechanism blent with ancient superstition and savage ferocity that implacably hold to the very roots of ancient things!" "It is the Orient, Lieutenant," added the Master.

"And in the Orient, who can say that any one thing is stranger than anything else?
To your stations, men!" They took their leave.

The Master entered the pilot-house and assumed control.

As _Nissr_ passed over the extraordinary Hejaz Railway, indifferent to the mob of frenzied, vituperating pilgrims, the chief peered far ahead for his first sight of Mecca, the Forbidden.
He had not long to wait.