"Yes; among other fragments."
"Fragments of what?"
For a moment the visitor closed his eyes. "That is hard to answer. I was there at dusk. The light was peculiar, and uncertain—and changing. I should say there were fragments of cups and vases, of carved capitals, scraps of metal that might be architectural ornaments, all mingled with blocks of some white material, perhaps marble, or alabaster. And all finely carved."
"These things were scattered about the ground?"
"Scattered about, but not literally on the ground. Many were lying on a pavement of different colored stones—the floor of a building I should say. The outer walls and several columns were still standing."
"It might have been a palace, a temple, a forum,—almost anything of size and importance."
"You know nothing of the history of those people, of their manners and customs?"
"Nothing, whatever."
"Where could I find out? That is, of course, if we had your permission."
"Nowhere. Nobody knows. It is all forgotten—long ago forgotten—with no records, no memories—not even a tradition."