They must accomplish this task within a given period, and without partaking of either food or water during the whole time.

No matter how great the temptation may be on the route, they conform strictly to the rules of the test, and would as soon think of running themselves through with a spear, as of seeking a water-hole.

The inspectors who judge at this amazing examination are, of course, the old and experienced chiefs.
After the fasting comes the ordeal proper.

The unfortunate candidate presents himself before one of the examiners, and settles his face into a perfectly stoical expression.

He is then stabbed repeatedly on the outside of the thighs and in the arms (never once is an artery cut); and if he remains absolutely statuesque at each stab, he comes through the most trying part of the ordeal with flying colours.