How the pool itself was supplied Leonard was destined to learn in after days.
Between the steep polished sides of the rock basin and the feet of the statue was placed an altar, or sacrificial stone.

Here on this ledge, which covered an area no greater than that of a small room, and in front of the altar, stood a man bound, in whom Leonard recognised Olfan, the king, while on either side of him were priests, naked to the waist, and armed with knives.

Behind them again stood the little band of Settlement men, trembling with terror.

Nor were their fears groundless, for there among them lay one of their number, dead.

This was the man whose nerve had broken down, who shrieked aloud in the darkness, and in reward had been smitten into everlasting silence.
All this Leonard saw by degrees, but the first thing that he saw has not yet been told.