On their broad breasts, covering more than half the skin-surface, the head of a huge snake was tattooed in vivid blue.
Evidently they were medicine-men or priests.
While the adventurers watched and wondered, the king or chief issued an order to his attendants, who ran to the corners of the square and called it aloud.

Then he raised his great spear, and every captain blew upon his horn, making a deafening sound.
Now the enemy stood still for a while, staring towards the stones, and the three medicine-men drew near to the chief in the centre of the square and talked with him, as though debating what should be done.
"This is our chance," said Juanna excitedly.

"If once they attack us it will be all over; a single volley of arrows would kill every one of us.
Come, Otter." "No, no!" said Leonard.

"I am afraid of your venturing yourself among those savages.

The danger is too great." "Danger! Can the danger be more than it is here?
In a minute we may all be dead.