the Naya hath introduced into our land. Whether a man is buried
alive, or whether he dieth in the fight, his kinsmen at once assemble and
destroy all his goods, saving only his vessels of gold which are
confiscated for the Naya's use. The curse of Zomara would fall heavily
upon anyone who attempteth to make use of any article once owned by a
dead person. After the destruction of the property hath taken place the
house is filled with the fumes of burning resin. The guests then sit in
the perfumed atmosphere drinking large draughts of fiery liquids and give
vent to their feelings in violent shouts."

"A strange custom, indeed," I said, astonished. "And it is only of recent
introduction?"

"When, three years ago the ancient Temple of Zomara was discovered
beneath the earth and all in Mo descended to witness its wonders, the
Naya gave orders for the custom, as I have described, to be rigorously
observed," she answered, turning her clear, trusting eyes upon Omar as
she spoke.

Soon afterwards she left us in order to give some orders to the slaves,
and the story-teller and musicians also departing, Goliba brought in
three of the provincial governors who had visited us on the last occasion
we had been the aged sage's guests, and together we discussed and
criticised for the last time the arrangements made for the revolt. After
an hour's consultation these men again departed, and Goliba himself
having brought us our arms, consisting of an English-made magazine-rifle
each, some ammunition, and a short but very keen sword manufactured in
Mo, left to make a tour of his house to personally inspect the measures
taken for its defence.

The next hour was so full of breathless excitement that we dared only
converse in whispers. The atmosphere was hot and oppressive, the sky had
grown dark and overcast, threatening ominously, while ever and anon could
be heard the faint clank of arms; men, tall, dark and mysterious, passed
and repassed along the dark colonnades, or stood in knots leaning on
their rifles discussing the situation in undertones.

On returning to us our host told us that the store of arms we had seen,
as well as others in various neighbourhoods, had all been distributed,
and that the whole city was awaiting the signal.

"Roughly speaking, thou hast in the capital alone thirty thousand
adherents," the councillor said to Omar. "Thou hast therefore nothing to
fear. The path to victory is straight, and little danger lurke