Everywhere grew roses, myrtles, and trees laden with rich fruits, while from all sides came the sound of cooing doves and the voices of many bright-winged birds which flashed from palm to palm.
On they walked, down the sand-strewn paths for a mile or more, accompanied by Masouda and the guard.

At length, passing through a brake of whispering, reed-like plants, of a sudden they came to a low wall, and saw, yawning black and wide at their very feet, that vast cleft which they had crossed before they entered the castle.
"It encircles the inner city, the fortress, and its grounds," said Masouda; "and who lives to-day that could throw a bridge across it?
Now come back." So, following the gulf round, they returned to the castle by another path, and were ushered into an ante-room, where stood a watch of twelve men.

Here Masouda left them in the midst of the men, who stared at them with stony eyes.

Presently she returned, and beckoned to them to follow her.

Walking down a long passage they came to curtains, in front of which were two sentries, who drew these curtains as they approached.