CONCLUSION In the midst of this the paupers and the hags talked earnestly together.

Some of those who had been nearest in rank to the late Chief Pauper and Chief Hag were conspicuous in the debate.

All looked at me and at Almah, and pointed toward the sun, which was wheeling along behind the distant mountain crest, showing a golden disc.

Then they pointed to the dead bodies; and the hags took the Chief Hag, and the paupers the Chief Pauper, and laid them side by side on the central altar.

After this a hag and a pauper advanced toward us, each carrying the sacrificial knife which had belonged to the deceased.
The hag spoke first, addressing Almah, in accordance with the Kosekin custom, which requires women to take the precedence in many things.
"Take this," she said, "O Almah, consort of Atam-or, and Co-ruler of Clouds and Darkness.