essary arrangements for my Lord's reception by the inhabitants of the
city. If it be my Lord's will, I will now conduct him to the bath,
which I have made ready for him."

"So that is the City of the Sun, is it?" remarked Harry, still gazing
admiringly at the enchanting view from the window. "I guessed as much;
and it appears to be fully worthy of its name. All right, Arima," he
continued, tearing himself reluctantly away; "yes, I will have my bath
now. Where is it?"

"If my Lord will be pleased to follow I will show it him," answered the
Indian, with the inevitable bow, as he led the way out of the room.

They passed into a long stone corridor, lighted at each end by an
unglazed window, and, traversing the length of it, entered another room,
much larger than the first, stone paved, and having a large plunge-bath
full of crystal-clear water, sunk into the floor at one end. The room
was unfurnished, save for a plain wooden bench, or seat, a soft woollen
mat for the bather to stand on when emerging from the bath, and a few
pegs along the wall, from which Harry's own clothes and three or four
very large bath towels depended. This room also was illuminated by a
large, unglazed window through which the sun-rays streamed, warming the
atmosphere of the apartment to a most delightful temperature. Harry
therefore made no delay, but forthwith discarded his pyjama suit and at
once plunged headlong into the cool, refreshing water. To dress and
take breakfast were the next things in order; and half an hour later
Escombe rose from the table like a giant refreshed, amid the obsequious
bows of his attendants. Then Motahuana stepped forward and, prefacing
his speech with another bow, said:

"Lord, I have been commanded by Tiahuana to say that, knowing well how
anxious the inhabitants of the City of the Sun will be to learn the
issue of this expedition, he has presumed to hasten forward to apprise
them that all is well, without waiting until my Lord awoke to mention
his intention and crave my Lord's permission to absent himself; for the
way is long, and my Lord slept late this morning. The High Priest also
bade me say that he will probably be absent at least four days, for
there are many preparations to be made in connection with my Lord's
triumphal entrance into his city, and his reception by his rejoicing
people. My Lord will therefore have time to rest and recover his
strength after the fatigue of his arduous journey; an