of wood had
become flesh; they only turned to fly. He waved his thin hand and they
came to a standstill, like animals which have reached the end of their
tether and are checked by the chains that bind them. There they stood
in all sorts of postures, immovable and looking extremely ridiculous in
their paint and feathers, with dread unutterable stamped upon their evil
faces.

The Sleeper spoke again:

"You would murder as did your forefathers, O children of snakes and hogs
fashioned in the shape of men. You would sacrifice those who dwell in my
shadow to satisfy your hate because they are wiser than you. Come hither
thou," and he beckoned with a bony finger to the chief magician.

The man advanced towards him in short jumps, as a mechanical toy might
do, and stood before him, his miniature crate and feathers all awry and
the sweat of terror melting the paint in streaks upon his face.

"Look into the eyes of Oro, O worshipper of Oro," said the Sleeper, and
he obeyed, his own eyes starting out of his head.

"Receive the curse of Oro," said the Ancient again. Then followed a
terrible spectacle. The man went raving mad. He bounded into the air to
a height inconceivable. He threw himself upon the ground and rolled upon
the rock. He rose again and staggered round and round, tearing pieces
out of his arms with his teeth. He yelled hideously like one possessed.
He grovelled, beating his forehead against the rock. Then he sat up,
slowly choked and--died.

His companions seemed to catch the infection of death as terrified
savages often do. They too performed dreadful antics, all except three
of them who stood paralysed. They rushed about battering each other with
their fists and wooden weapons, looking like devils from hell in
their hideous painted attire. They grappled and fought furiously. They
separated and plunged into the lake, where with a last grimace they sank
like stones.

It seemed to last a long while, but I think that as a matter of fact
within five minutes it was over; they were all dead. Only the three
paralysed ones remained standing and rolling their eyes.

The Sleeper beckoned to them with his thin finger, and they walked
forward in step like soldiers.

"Lift that man from the boat," he said, pointing to Bastin, "cut his
bonds and those of the others."

They obeyed with a wonderful alacrity. In a minute we stood at liberty
and were pulling the grass gags from our mouths. The Ancient pointed
to the hea