into a roaring blaze. The charcoal became
more and more thoroughly ignited until the
whole mass glowed in the uncertain gloom, like
some gigantic and demoniacal eye of a modern
Prometheus. As soon as the mass of charcoal
was thoroughly ignited from top to bottom, a
small gong in the temple gave notice that the
wonderful spectacle of `Hi-Wattarai' was
about to begin.

``Soon two of the priests came out, said
prayers of almost interminable length at a tiny
shrine in the corner of the enclosure, and
turned their attention to the fire. Taking long
poles and fans from the coolies, they poked
and encouraged the blaze till it could plainly
be seen that the coal was ignited throughout.
The whole bed was a glowing mass, and the
heat which rose from it was so intense that
we found it uncomfortable to sit fifteen feet
away from it without screening our faces with
fans. Then they began to pound it down more
solidly along the middle; as far as possible
inequalities in its surface were beaten down,
and the coals which protruded were brushed
aside.''

There follows a long and detailed description
of further ceremonies, the receiving of
gifts, etc., which need not be repeated here.