His mantle was completely composed of feather work, and plumes of feathers sprang from the golden fillet that encircled his head.

Behind him were clustered a number of inferior chiefs.
He welcomed Roger courteously but gravely; and Roger guessed, at once, that he was superior to the superstitions of his people, and that he viewed him with a certain amount of suspicion.

Roger bowed and, taking off the jackknife, which hung in its sheath from a string at his waist, drew it out and presented it to the chief.
The latter was evidently greatly struck by the gift.

Gold and silver he knew, but this bright and shining metal was altogether new to him.

He examined it closely, felt the edge and point, and then handed it to the chiefs behind him, to be examined by them.
Roger saw by his manner that he had been favorably impressed, for the weapon was as strange and mysterious, to him, as the visitant.
The chief undid a large gold necklace that he wore, and offered it to Roger, who bowed and clasped it round his neck.