In the walls of houses were unrepaired breaches, where the wounds of the missiles showed.

On a slight eminence overlooking the city from the west center-poles of native cedar which had supported Roman tents were still standing.

But no garrison was there now, though the signs of the savage Roman obsession still lay on the remnants of the prostrate western wall.

So as Costobarus' gaze wandered he did not see far above that heap of striped garments in his garden walk, fixed like an enchanted thing, moveless, dead-calm, a great desert vulture poised in air.

Presently another and yet another materialized out of the blue, growing larger as they fell down to the level of their fellow.