Step forth to receive him." Felix took Muriel's hand in his, somewhat trembling himself, and led her forth on to the open space in front of the huts to meet the man-god.

She followed him like a child.

She was woman enough for that.

She had implicit trust in him.
As they emerged, a strange procession met their eyes unawares, coming down the zig-zag path that led from the hills to the shore of the lagoon, where their huts were situated.

At its head marched two men--tall, straight, and supple--wearing huge feather masks over their faces, and beating tom-toms, decorated with long strings of shiny cowries.