in which were
brought different kinds of small fish, each fixed at the end of a forked
stick. The baskets were carried up to an old man, whom I took to be the
chief priest, and who sat on the prince's right hand, without the shed.
He held each in his hand, while he made a short speech or prayer, then
laid it down, and called for another, repeating the same words as
before; and thus he went through the whole number of baskets. The fish
were presented, one by one, on the forked sticks, as they came in, to
two men, who sat on the left, and who, till now, held green branches in
their hands. The first fish they laid down on their right, and the
second on their left. When the third was presented, a stout-looking man,
who sat behind the other two, reached his arm over between them, and
made a snatch at it; as also did the other two at the very same time.
Thus they seemed to contend for every fish that was presented; but as
there were two hands against one, besides the advantage of situation,
the man behind got nothing but pieces; for he never quitted his bold,
till the fish was torn out of his hand, and what little remained in it
he shook out behind him. The others laid what they got on the right and
left alternately. At length, either by accident or design, the man
behind got possession of a whole fish, without either of the other two
so much as touching it. At this the word _mareeai_, which signifies
_very good_ or _well done_, was uttered in a low voice throughout the
whole crowd. It seemed that he had performed now all that was expected
from him, for he made no attempt upon the few fish that came after.
These fish, as also the baskets, were all delivered, by the persons who
brought them in, sitting; and, in the same order and manner, the small
poles, which the first procession carried, had been laid upon the
ground.

The last procession being closed, there was some speaking or praying by
different persons. Then, on some signal being given, we all started up,
ran several paces to the left, and sat down with our backs to the
prince, and the few who remained with him; I was desired not to look
behind me. However, neither this injunction nor the remembrance of Lot's
wife, discouraged me from facing about. I now saw that the prince had
turned his face to the _morai_. But this last movement had brought so
many people between him and me, that I could not perceive what was
doing. I was afterward assured, that, at this very time, t