The way was exceedingly rough and here and there almost overgrown with coarse weeds. Near the temple, the ground ascended fairly steeply, and the path narrowed so that it was impossible to walk abreast.
"Wonder if there are any of those jolly little karaits about," speculated Noel. "If you don't mind, I'll go first."
"I believe I saw a scorpion!" said Olga, as he took the lead.
He laughed at her over his shoulder. "Or a lizard! Stick to it, Mistress
Timorous! You'll develop a taste for adventure soon."
"Oh, I'm not a coward really," she protested. "At least I never used to be!"
"You are the sweetest girl in the world," said Noel, in a tone that reduced Olga to instant and uncompromising silence.
She could not refuse his hand, however, when he paused to help her over the rough places. It was an utter impossibility to be ungracious to Noel for long. He was far too seductive.
They reached the top of the ascent and found themselves close to the temple. The place was a ruin. Blocks of stone, that once had been part of its structure, were scattered in all directions; and, advancing, they presently stumbled upon the monstrous head of a broken idol.
"This is the temple of Dagon," said Noel dramatically. "I don't think it's a very suitable place for a picnic. One might find bits of human sacrifices about and that would spoil the appetite."
"Oh, don't be gruesome!" Olga besought him. "Let's go in, as we are here."