Page 36 (1/2)

They ca the temple, which was in a far ues orking on, its steps cru in upon it closer and closer, creepers strangling the ornate pillars which decorated it, grass growing through the stone flags of the courtyard

'What a mess!' Peter said reflectively

'How old is it?' she asked hireat interest and fascination

'Looks older than the ones we're working on,' Peter shrugged 'Perhaps third century'

'As old as that?' she demanded

He laughed 'India is a very ancient country Let's take a look inside'

They walked u

p the steps and entered the teht died as they went inside and cool shadows thickened the air The s

'So 'An aniot in and died, presumably'

'I'll wait for you by the door,' said Marie, feeling sick­ened by the smell

Peter glanced at her 'Are you all right?'

'Fine,' she said 'I just prefer the open air'

He laughed 'I knohat you uide you back to the others'

'There's no hurry,' she said 'It's quite pleasant here'

Peter plunged further into the gloole She saw a giant spider's web glistening with silvery mist drops stretched across fros were so unfae, that her eyes wearied of tracing the of the ancient legends that lay behind theion that had caused this place to be built