=== apom_ch21_pt4 === 

And so I bade the poor beast an affectionate farewell, promising him, however, that if I came through my adventure in safety that in some way I should find the means to search him out. =

He seemed to understand me fully, and when I pointed back in the direction of Thark he turned sorrowfully away, nor could I bear to watch him go, but resolutely set my face toward Zodanga and with a touch of heartsickness approached her frowning walls. =

The letter I bore from them gained me immediate entrance to the vast, walled city.  It was still very early in the morning and the streets were practically deserted.  The residences, raised high upon their metal columns, resembled huge rookeries, while the uprights themselves presented the appearance of steel tree trunks. The shops as a rule were not raised from the ground nor were their doors bolted or barred, since thievery is practically unknown upon Barsoom.  Assassination is the ever present fear of all Barsoomians, and for this reason alone their homes are raised high above the ground at night, or in times of danger. =

The Ptor brothers had given me explicit directions for reaching the point of the city where I could find living accommodations and be near the offices of the government agents to whom they had given me letters.  My way led to the central square or plaza, which is a characteristic of all Martian cities. =

The plaza of Zodanga covers a square mile and is bounded by the palaces of the jeddak, the jeds, and other members of the royalty and nobility of Zodanga, as well as by the principal public buildings, cafes, and shops. = 

=== end of pt4 ===