Yet time passed and they did not reach me, for an obstacle was interposed.

The pyramid had smooth sides.

The stairways that led up to the summit were narrow, and did not admit of more than two at a time; yet, had the Kosekin been like other people, the summit of the pyramid would soon have been swarming with them; but as they were Kosekin, none came up to the top; for at the base of the pyramid, at the bottom of the steps, I saw a strange and incredible struggle.

It was not, as with us, who should go up first, but who should go up last; each tried to make his neighbor go before him.

All were eager to go, but the Kosekin self-denial, self-sacrifice, and love for the good of others made each one intensely desirous to make others go up.