By day it shone with the reflected light of thousands and thousands of looking-glasses, by night it rose outlined in every detail by thousands and thousands of little lamps.

Every marble path was spread with priceless silken carpets, the very fountains were scented with attar-of-rose.

All the musicians and dancers and acrobats and jugglers of Kabul were commanded to be there, snow came from the higher hills to ice the drinks, and cooks worked day and night to prepare the most wonderful dishes.
"That is what I call a King," remarked the Afghan sentry, whom Roy, going with his little master to see the preparations, found keeping guard at the gate.

"None of your skinflints like Kumran.

Aye!" he continued, seeing Roy's look of surprise and distaste, "I have done what I said I would--fought for Kumran till there was no more fighting to be done.