The terms of this singular match had been arranged a month previously, but no storm worthy of the occasion had arisen.

Now the local weather-prophets believed it to be brewing.
I inquired what would happen if neither of the men were struck, and was told that they must then wait for another storm.

If they escaped the second time, however, they would be held to be equal in power, and be jointly consulted by the tribe upon occasions of importance.
The prospect of being a spectator of so unusual a sight overcame my desire to be gone, and I accepted the chief's invitation to see it out.

Before mid-day I regretted it, for though the western heavens grew darker and darker, and the still air heralded the coming of the storm, yet it did not come.

By four o'clock, however, it became obvious that it must burst soon--at sunset, the old chief said, and in the company of the whole assembly I moved down to the place of combat.