The splints were sharp as needles, being indeed the needles used in tattooing, and on the end of the pole they were intended to be applied to Tiha's back in the same way that men apply ox-goads to oxen.

No serious damage, but much pain, could be inflicted, which was just what Bashti had intended.
Wiwau prodded with the goad, and Tiha stumbled and wabbled in gymnastic efforts to make speed.

Since, when the farther beach had been reached, the positions would be reversed and Wiwau would carry the stones back while Tiha prodded, and since Wiwau knew that for what she gave Tiha would then try to give more, Wiwau exerted herself to give the utmost while yet she could.

The perspiration ran down both their faces.

Each had her partisans in the crowd, who encouraged and heaped ridicule with every prod.
Ludicrous as it was, behind it lay iron savage law.