58 ON THE IRRAWADDY

against the wall he climbed it, and it was not long before he
cut a hole through the thatch of sufficient size to pass out.
The work had taken him longer than he had expected, for it
had to be done in absolute darkness; however, he was sure
that he was well within his time. Fastening the end of the
rope to one of the bamboo rafters, he descended the ladder,
and picked up his bundle, then climbed up again, got half-
way out of the hole and listened intently. Everything was
quiet in the street, and in another minute he stood on the
ground. When he turned into the principal street there
were still many people about. Sounds of music and singing
‘came from the windows, for the Burmese are very fond of
music, and often pass the whole night in playing and singing.
There was no risk whatever of detection now, and he stepped
briskly along until he came to the open space, with its rows
of little thatched huts. Here he paused for a minute, and
the officer stepped out from behind a house and joined him.

«‘T was not sure at first that it was you,’’ he said; ‘‘ your
disguise is excellent. You had better follow me now until we
get beyond the busy streets.’’

Keeping some twenty yards behind his guide, Stanley
went on until, after nearly half an hour’s walking, they passed
through a gate in the city walls. He now closed up to the
officer, and after another half-hour’s walk across a cultivated
country they entered a forest. The ground now rose steadily,
end, after keeping on for two miles, they emerged from the
trees at the top of a hill. The space had been cleared of
timber, but it was nearly covered with bushes and young
trees. In the centre were the ruins of a temple that had evi-
dently existed long before the Burmese dynasty occupied the
country, and had been erected by some older race. It was
roofless, the walls had in places fallen, and the ruins were
covered with vegetation. The Burman ascended some