Chapter 10
The journey back to the palm forest seemed to take less time than before lunch. George followed the route closely, taking more notice of where they were going. A shallow river ran alongside the road; on the other side, a palm grove. Through the trunks he could see curved roofing. Gold flashed in the sun.
“It’s a Chinese temple,” Sarah said. “Hewn out of rocks.”
Sarah’s knowledge about her surroundings, her interest in politics, her lack of a timid attitude was refreshing, like an iced cocktail on a hot afternoon. He looked up at the mountains beyond, at the mist hanging over the highest peak. From here the jungle looked beguiling, mysterious. He remembered the g*n shots he had heard the other day.
“Tell me?” he said. “Is it true that all the Palfreys’ servants were in it tog
