r galleys were here. On the wharf workmen were moving about. Just
beyond were caverns that looked like warehouses. Above these was a
terraced street, where a vast multitude moved to and fro--a living
tide as crowded and as busy as that in Cheapside.

After what seemed a long time the Kohen returned. This time he came
with a number of people, all of whom were in cars drawn by opkuks.
Half were men and half women. These came aboard, and it seemed as
though we were to be separated; for the women took Almah, while the
men took me. Upon this I entreated the Kohen not to separate us. I
informed him that we were both of a different race from his, that we
did not understand their ways; we should be miserable if separated.

I spoke long and with all the entreaty possible to one with my limited
acquaintance with the language. My words evidently impressed them:
some of them even wept.

"You make us sad," said the Kohen. "Willingly would we do everything
that you bid, for we are your slaves; but the state law prevents.
Still, in your case, the law will be modified; for you are in such
honor here that you may be considered as beyond the laws. For the
present, at least, we cannot separate you."

These words brought much consolation. After this we landed, and Almah
and I were still together.

CHAPTER XIX

THE WONDERS OF THE "AMIR"

We were drawn on cars up to the first terraced street, and here we
found the vast multitude which we had seen from a distance. Crossing
this street, we ascended and came to another precisely like it; then,
still going on, we came to a third. Here there was an immense space,
not overgrown with trees like the streets, but perfectly open. In the
midst arose a lofty pyramid, and as I looked at it I could not refrain
from shuddering; for it looked like the public altar, upon which in
due time I should be compelled to make my appearance, and be offered
up as a victim to the terrific superstitions of the Kosekin.

Crossing this great square, we came to a vast portal, which opened
into a cavern with twinkling lights. The city itself extended above
this, for we could see the terraced streets rising above our heads;
but here our progress ended at the great cavern in the chief square,
opposite the pyramid.

On entering the cavern we traversed an antechamber, and then passing
on we reached a vast dome, of dimensions so great that I could
perceive no end in that gloom. The twinkling lights served only t