It was a sacred performance, therefore the sudden silence of all within hearing of the process.

Little by little a glimmer of light illuminated the entrance of the cave; the fire had started, which was a favourable omen.

Now the conversation might be resumed, but nobody entered the room.

The fire was burning, and its light shone vividly through doorway and port-holes, and the men outside were beginning to move and to yawn, and some had even fallen asleep, but no one gave a sign of impatience.

Stillness prevailed; it was so late that all noise and bustle had ceased, and the rippling and rushing of the brook alone pervaded the night.
Several more men approached from various directions; their steps were almost inaudible, and when they reached the company each invariably uttered a hoarse "guatzena, sa uishe." One by one the new-comers glided into the estufa, until six of them had entered.