But as no workers appeared to be there, he passed the matter over as one of no importance.
The task before him looked hopeless.

In the first place there were the three floors, with no faces visible above the first one.

Then of the long rectangle stretching out before him he could see but two sides, which fact was further complicated by there being as many of the workers' faces turned toward the outside of the building as toward the court.

Yet having determined upon his course, he was bound to see it through.
His position near the corner of the huge rectangle precluded his seeing anyone working at his own end.

He was obliged to pass them over.