His counsellors take their places beside him.

He makes a remark or two, and is then silent for a few seconds.

Our guides then sit down in front of the chief and his counsellors, and both parties lean forward, looking earnestly at each other; the chief repeats a word, such as "Ambuiatu" (our Father, or master)--or "moio" (life), and all clap their hands.

Another word is followed by two claps, a third by still more clapping, when each touches the ground with both hands placed together.
Then all rise and lean forward with measured clap, and sit down again with clap, clap, clap, fainter, and still fainter, till the last dies away, or is brought to an end by a smart loud clap from the chief.

They keep perfect time in this species of court etiquette.