I stooped, and whispered to the young girl who stood by me, to lend me her white garment.

I wanted it, that I might not be entirely out of keeping with the solemnity, but might have at least this help to passing unquestioned.

She looked up, half-amused and half-bewildered, as if doubting whether I was in earnest or not.

But in her perplexity, she permitted me to unfasten it, and slip it down from her shoulders.
I easily got possession of it; and, sinking down on my knees in the crowd, I rose apparently in the habit of one of the worshippers.
Giving my battle-axe to the girl, to hold in pledge for the return of her stole, for I wished to test the matter unarmed, and, if it was a man that sat upon the throne, to attack him with hands bare, as I supposed his must be, I made my way through the crowd to the front, while the singing yet continued, desirous of reaching the platform while it was unoccupied by any of the priests.

I was permitted to walk up the long avenue of white robes unmolested, though I saw questioning looks in many of the faces as I passed.