An inspiration guided him.

He drew Matho behind Tanith's chariot, where a cleft a cubit wide ran down the wall from top to bottom.
Then they penetrated into a small and completely circular room, so lofty that it was like the interior of a pillar.

In the centre there was a big black stone, of semispherical shape like a tabourine; flames were burning upon it; an ebony cone, bearing a head and two arms, rose behind.
But beyond it seemed as though there were a cloud wherein were twinkling stars; faces appeared in the depths of its folds--Eschmoun with the Kabiri, some of the monsters that had already been seen, the sacred beasts of the Babylonians, and others with which they were not acquainted.

It passed beneath the idol's face like a mantle, and spread fully out was drawn up on the wall to which it was fastened by the corners, appearing at once bluish as the night, yellow as the dawn, purple as the sun, multitudinous, diaphanous, sparkling light.

It was the mantle of the goddess, the holy zaimph which might not be seen.
Both turned pale.
"Take it!" said Matho at last.
Spendius did not hesitate, and leaning upon the idol he unfastened the veil, which sank to the ground.