Then she began to question him artfully on many things, and by degrees they learnt more of the People of the Mist.
It seemed, as Leonard had already guessed, that they were a very ancient race, having existed for countless generations on the same misty upland plains.

They were not, however, altogether isolated, for occasionally they made war with other savage tribes.

But they never intermarried with these tribes, all the captives taken in their wars being offered in sacrifice at the religious festivals.

The real governing power in the community was the Society of the Priests of the Snake, who held their office by hereditary tenure, outsiders being admitted to their body only under very exceptional circumtances.

The council of this society chose the kings, and when they were weary of one of them, they sacrificed him and chose another, either from among his issue or elsewhere.