After picking up the film canisters from the crashed rocket, the two men fly east to look for signs of the birdlike Martian, Tweel.

When Leroy remarks that the Martian in the mural looks like the Ancient Egyptian god Thoth, Tweel excitedly repeats the name, pointing to itself and all around them at the city.

The Earthmen surmise that Tweel's people, the Thoth, had visited ancient Egypt and had been an inspiration for the Ibis-headed god.

Over the next three days, Tweel shows the Earthmen around the city, including a solar-powered pumping station designed to move water down the canal.

Finally, a mile south of the ancient Martian city, the Earthmen explore a valley, despite Tweel's urgent warnings.