Entering a ruinous corral they came to a second entrance, which proved to be the patio or courtyard.

The deserted wooden corridor, with beams, rafters, and floors whitened by the eternal sun and wind, contained a few withered leaves, dryly rotting skins, and thongs of leather, as if undisturbed by human care.

But among these scattered debris of former life and habitation there was no noisome or unclean suggestion of decay.
A faint, spiced odor of desiccation filled the bare walls.

There was no slime on stone or sun-dried brick.

In place of fungus or discolored moisture the dust of efflorescence whitened in the obscured corners.