"My own guess," said William, "from its being already cut, is that some oriental chap either gave it to you or sold it."
"No, I found it, entirely by accident—among some ruins."
Mr. Bressani's eyebrows again went up. "Ruins of what?"
"Of an ancient building—a very, very ancient building."
"But covered with earth, I suppose, and overgrown with vines."
"No. Not a trace of vegetation anywhere in sight."
"It must be a melancholy place."
"It is."
"But once a city?"
"I think so."