"But surely your people never built this place!" he gasped. Closana shook her head.
"The city was not built by my people as they are now. Larr, the Golden City, is very ancient. It was built by the Old Ones—they who lived here long ago, in the dim dawn of time. I have forgotten most of the tale but my father can tell you."
As they passed over the outer walls, Gerry saw some long steel tubes mounted on swivels above the battlements. They were protected by gleaming metal shields. He touched Closana's arm.
"What are those things that look like giant ray-guns?"
"Those are the defences of the walls," the girl answered, "We also have them at the barrier forts. In some way they send out rays of heat that burn and shrivel all things within reach. I do not know much about them, but my father can tell you."
"Looks like he's going to tell me a lot of things," Gerry said. Closana shook back her long hair and looked at him thoughtfully for a moment.
"Yes, Geree. He will also tell you why you had better marry me as I suggested."
"I told you we'd have to let that subject wait till later!" he said grimly. Steve Brent prodded him gently in the ribs.
"Persistent souls, these Golden Amazons!" he said in English.