They
seemed to be soldiers, for they were arranged in companies and carried
large spears and shields. Also some of them wore torques and bracelets
of yellow metal that might be either brass or gold. Turning himself
about he found an eyehole in the back of the litter so contrived that
its occupant could see without being seen, and perceived that his escort
amounted to a veritable army of splendid-looking, but sombre-faced
savages of a somewhat Semitic cast of countenance. Indeed many of them
had aquiline features and hair that, although crisped, was long and
carefully arranged in something like the old Egyptian fashion. Also
he saw that about thirty yards behind and separated from him by a
bodyguard, was borne a second litter. By means of a similar aperture in
front he discovered yet more soldiers, and beyond them, at the head of
the procession, was what appeared to be a body of white-robed men and
women bearing strange emblems and banners. These he took to be priests
and priestesses.
Having examined everything that was within reach of his eye, Alan sank
back upon his cushions and began to realize that he was very faint and
hungry.
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