Busy citizens hurrying, the bark of a dog, the mere tone of a temple bell spoke the ordinary occupations of all the world; and upon the chief street the moon looked down as tranquilly as if the causeway were a continuation of Fifth Avenue.
But it was as if the spirit of adventure in St.George had suddenly turned and questioned him, saying: "What of Olivia ?" For Olivia gone to a far-away island to find her father was subject of sufficient anxiety; but Olivia in the power of a pretender who might have at command such undreamed resources was more than cool reason could comprehend.

That was the principal impression that Med, the King's City, made upon St.George.
"To the right, adon," Jarvo was saying, "where the walls are highest--that is the palace of the prince, the Palace of the Litany." "And the king's palace ?" St.George asked eagerly.
Jarvo lifted his face to the solitary summit light upon the mountain.
"But how does one ascend ?" cried St.George.
"By permission of Prince Tabnit," replied Jarvo, "one is borne up by six imperial carriers, trained in the service from birth.

One attempting the ascent alone would be dashed in pieces." "No municipal line of airships ?" ventured Amory in slow astonishment.
Jarvo did not quite get this.
"The airships, adon," he said, "belong to the imperial household and are kept at the summit of Mount Khalak." "A trust," comprehended Amory; "an absolute monarchy is a bit of a trust, anyhow.

Of course, it's sometimes an outraged trust..." he murmured on.
"The adon," said Jarvo humbly, "will understand that we, I and Akko, have borne great risk.

It is necessary that we make our peace with all speed, if that may be.