of hair about his
forehead in such fashion that the fringe hid his eyes, at the same
time placing in his hand a sceptre of ivory, apparently of very ancient
workmanship, and fashioned in the shape of a snake standing on its tail.

"All is prepared," said Nam.

"Lead on," answered Juanna again. "But let our servants come with us,
both those here and those without, save the woman only, who stays to
make ready for our return."

Juanna spoke thus because Soa had announced her wish to be left behind
when they went to the temple. Juanna had consulted Leonard on the
subject, who gave it as his opinion that Soa had good reasons of her own
for making this request. Also he pointed out that in case of disturbance
she could scarcely help them, and might possibly prove an encumbrance.

"They wait," answered Nam; "all is prepared for _them_ also": and as he
spoke a sardonic smile flickered on his withered countenance that made
Leonard feel very uncomfortable. What was prepared, he wondered?

They passed through the curtains into the courtyard, where soldiers,
clad in goat-skin cloaks, waited with two litters. Here also were
the Settlement men, armed, but in an extremity of fear, for they were
guarded by about fifty of the Great People, also armed.

Juanna and Otter entered the litters, behind which Leonard formed up his
little band, going in front of it himself with Francisco, both of them
having rifles in their hands and revolvers at their girdles, of which no
attempt was made to deprive them, for none knew their use.

Then they started, surrounded by the bare-breasted priests, who chanted
and waved torches as they walked, and preceded and followed by the
grim files of tall soldiers, on whose spears the torch-light flashed
ominously. As they came the gates of the palace yard were opened. They
passed them and across the space beyond until they reached the doors of
the temple, which were thrown wide before them.

Here Otter and Juanna descended from the litters, and all the torches
were extinguished, leaving them in darkness.

Leonard felt his hand seized and was led along, he knew not where, for
the misty gloom was intense. He could scarcely see the face even of
the priest who conducted them, but from the sounds he gathered that all
their party were being guided in a similar fashion. Once or twice also
he heard the voice of a Settlement man speaking in accents of fear or
complaint, but such demonstrations were followed quic