No
sooner had they done so than almost they wished themselves back again,
for there was something about the spot that frightened them, to say
nothing of the horrible smell which made Tua feel ill. It was a great
tank, with a little artificial island in its centre, full of slimy water
that looked almost black because of the shadow of the high walls, and
round it ran a narrow stone path. At one spot in this path, however,
where grew some dank-looking trees and bushes, was a slope, also of
stone, and on the slope with its prow resting in the water a little
boat, and in the boat, oars. But of the crocodile there was nothing to
be seen.
"It is asleep somewhere," whispered Tua, "let us go away, I do not like
this stench."
"Stench," answered Rames. "I smell nothing except the lilies on the
water. Let us wake it up, it would be silly to go now. Surely you are
not afraid, O Star."
"Oh, no! I am not afraid," answered Tua proudly. "Only wake it up
quickly, please."
What Rames did not add was that it would be impossible to retreat as the
door had closed behind them, and there was no keyhole on its inner side.
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