The Chiefs occupied, as before, their seats on the platform.

Some fifty members of the Order sat to right and left immediately below; but Esmo, on this occasion, seated himself on the second leftward step of the Throne, which, with the silver light and the other mystic emblems, was unveiled in the same strange manner as before at his approach.

Near the lower end of the small chamber thus formed, crossing the passage between the seats on either hand, was a barrier of the bright red metal I have more than once mentioned, and behind it a seat of some sable material.

Behind this, to right and left, stood silent and erect two sentries robed in green, and armed with the usual spear.

A deep intense absolute silence prevailed, from the moment when the last of the party had taken his place, for the space of some ten minutes.