Then a metallic sound was heard within, as if two plates of very hard material were beaten against each other.

All rose at once; those who had fallen asleep were shaken and pulled until they woke; and one after another filed into the chamber, Topanashka being the last.

The metallic sound produced by two plates of basalt had been the call to council.
The interior of the estufa was as brightly illuminated as a small fire could make it, the smoke of which found egress through the door and the two air-holes, or rose to the low ceiling, where it floated like a grayish cloud.

The air was heavy and stifling, and the odour of burning pitch proceeded from the pine wood with which the flames were fed in the centre of the room.

Close to the fire the tapop had squatted, with three aged men by his side in the same posture.