They first visited the chief, who announced that the ceremonies were about to begin.

At a word from this imposing leader a big Indian caught up Myrtle and easily carried her on his shoulder, as if she were light as a feather, leading the way to the rocky amphitheatre.
Here were assembled all the inhabitants of the village, forming a wide circle around the performers.

The snakes were in a pit dug in the center of the space, over which a few branches had been placed.

This is called the "kisi." These unique and horrifying snake dances of the Moki have been described so often that I need not speak of this performance in detail.

Before it was half over the girls wished they were back in their automobile; but the Major whispered that for them to leave would cause great offense to the Indians and might result in trouble.