njoy the high privilege of being sacrificed in presence of their king.
They were now dressed in white garments, and tall red caps were put on
their heads. Their arms and legs were then bound securely, and they
were placed in a sitting posture in small canoe-shaped troughs, and thus
in a long procession were carried around the square amid the cruel
shouts of the savage populace. At length they reached a high platform
or slope in the centre of the square, on which sat the king, under the
shade of a vast umbrella, surrounded by his courtiers and chiefs. Below
the platform were collected a vast mob of savages, their hideous
countenances looking up with fierce delight at the terrible drama which
was to be enacted. Among the crowd stood several men of gigantic
stature, even more savage-looking than the rest, armed with huge knotted
clubs. These they knew instinctively were their intended executioners.
Not one of them attempted to plead for mercy; that they knew were vain.
Their eyes glanced hopelessly round, now on the assembled throng below,
now on the groups collected on the platform, not expecting to meet a
look of compassion turned towards them. But yes, among one group they
see a man of strange appearance. His skin is white, and by his fine
dress, glittering with gold, they believe him to be a great chief. He
advances towards the king, whom, with eager look, he addresses in a
strange language. What he says they cannot tell, till another man of
their own colour speaks, and then they know that he is pleading for
their lives; not only pleading, but offering a large ransom if they be
given up to him. How anxiously they listen for the reply! The king
will not hear of it. The spirit of his father complains that he has
been neglected; that his nation must have become degenerate; that they
have ceased to conquer, since so few captives have been sent to bear him
company in the world of shades. Again the strange white chief speaks,
and offers higher bribes. Curious that he should take so much trouble
about some poor black captives they think. What can be his object?
What can influence him?

He does not plead altogether in vain. The king will give him four for
the sum he offers, but no more. He would not dare thus to displease the
shade of his father, and the white chief may choose whom he will. The
victims gaze anxiously at his countenance. It is merciful and benign
they think--unlike any they have before seen.