In the centre was a basin of stone, evidently very ancient, filled to the brim with the clear water of a spring, which bubbled up from the bottom, and, overflowing by way of a gap in the edge, became a small rivulet, which stole away in the direction of the sea.

Across the slightly undulating surface of the basin trembled the radiance of the star.
Kamaiakan knelt down beside it, and, bending over, gazed intently into the water.

Presently he dipped his hands in it, and sprinkled shining drops over his own gaunt person, and over the ground in the vicinity of the spring.

He made strange movements with his arms, bowed his head and erected it again, and traced curious figures on the ground with his finger.

It appeared as if the venerable Indian had solemnly lost his senses and had sought out this lonely spot to indulge the vagaries of his insanity.