Then she came and sat with us while we took our evening meal.

I remember that mine consisted of some of the Life-water which she had brought with her and fruit, for, as I think I have said, I had acquired her dislike to meat, also that she ate some plantains, throwing the skins for Tommy to fetch and laughing at his play.

When it was over, Bastin and Bickley went away together, whether by chance or design I do not know, and she said to me suddenly: "Humphrey, you have often asked me about the city Pani, of which a little portion of the ruins remains upon this island, the rest being buried beneath the waters.

If you wish I will show you where our royal palace was before the barbarians destroyed it with their airships.

The moon is very bright, and by it we can see." I nodded, for, knowing what she meant, somehow I could not answer her, and we began the ascent of the hill.