Beneath the mantles they wore short petticoats of soft white material.

Their spears and their arms were carried behind them, by attendants.

Behind these came a number of men and women, walking in regular order, carrying bowls of fruit, trays of cooked food, and other offerings.
Roger saw at once that they must have come from a place of importance; which must be near at hand, as they had doubtless set out upon the receipt of a message, dispatched by his present entertainer.

He guessed that the report must have been a favorable one of him, and that the natives were impressed with the idea that he was a superior being.

It was, therefore, needful for him to comport himself so that this impression should be confirmed.
The chiefs bowed profoundly as they approached him, stooping so far forward that one hand touched the earth, and was then carried to their forehead.