For centuries it had lain deserted and crumbling.

Yet some of its ancient beauty remained.

Its marble floors and walls of carved stone were not utterly obliterated though only owls and flying-foxes made it their dwelling-place.

Natives regarded it with superstitious awe and seldom approached it.

But Europeans all looked upon it as the most beautiful corner within reach, and had it been nearer to Kurrumpore, it would have been a far more frequented playground than it was.
The hoot of a motor-horn broke suddenly upon the silence, and Stella started.