A long, level prairie now alone intervened. To cross this did not require a long space of time.
But the Scorcher now struck into what looked like a sort of road, leading down to the town gates. Part of the way it was fringed with a hedge of firs.
And at intervals the ruins of strange-looking houses were seen upon either hand. The adventurers regarded them wonderingly.
On ran the Scorcher at a fair rate of speed.
And it followed that very soon the machine crossed a causeway of white stone and rolled between two high pillars into the main street of the town.
It was noted then how curiously the place was laid out.
The entire town described a circle; all the streets beginning at the gate and extending in circles about a hollow or amphitheater in the center.
It was a strong reminder of a coliseum, the houses occupying the position of the seats. In the center of the public square, or circle, rather, there had stood a tall shaft of stone, fully one hundred feet high.
Doubtless this was a monument, commemorating some heroic deed or mighty occasion. In this sentiment, at least, the Polar people resembled their civilized neighbors beyond the ice belt.
“By Jove!” exclaimed Randall, “these people were the equal of the ancient Aztecs. Their architecture shows that.”