The rest were a youthful and comely set:  their complexion that of Gold Sherry, and all tattooed after this pattern:  two broad cross-stripes on the chest and back; reaching down to the waist, like a foot-soldier’s harness.  Their faces were full of expression; and their mouths were full of fine teeth; so that the parting of their lips, was as the opening of pearl oysters.  Marked, here and there, after the style of Tahiti, with little round figures in blue, dotted in the middle with a spot of vermilion, their brawny brown thighs looked not unlike the gallant hams of Westphalia, spotted with the red dust of Cayenne.

But what a marvelous resemblance in the features of all.  Were they born at one birth?  This resemblance was heightened by their uniform marks.  But it was subsequently ascertained, that they were the children of one sire; and that sire, old Aaron; who, no doubt, reposed upon his sons, as an old general upon the trophies of his youth.

They were the children of as many mothers; and he was training them up for the priesthood.

CHAPTER XLI A Fray

So bent were the strangers upon concealing who they were, and the object of their voyage, that it was some time ere we could obtain the information we desired.

They pointed toward the tent, as if it contained their Eleusinian mysteries.  And the old priest gave us to know, that it would be profanation to enter it.

But all this only roused my curiosity to unravel the wonder.

At last I succeeded.

In that mysterious tent was concealed a beautiful maiden.  And, in pursuance of a barbarous custom, by Aleema, the priest, she was being borne an offering from the island of Amma to the gods of Tedaidee.

Now, hearing of the maiden, I waited for no more.  Need I add, how stirred was my soul toward this invisible victim; and how hotly I swore, that precious blood of hers should never smoke upon an altar.  If we drowned for it, I was bent upon rescuing the captive.  But as yet, no gentle signal of distress had been waved to us from the tent.  Thence, no sound could be heard, but an occasional rustle of the matting.  Was it possible, that one about to be immolated could proceed thus tranquilly to her fate?

But desperately as I resolved to accomplish the deliverance of the maiden, it was best to set heedfully about it.  I desired no shedding of blood; though the odds were against us.

The old priest seemed determined to prevent us from boarding his craft.  But being equally determined the other way, I cautiously laid the bow of the Chamois against the canoe’s quarter, so as to present the smallest possible chance for a hostile entrance into our boat.  Then, Samoa, knife in ear, and myself with a cutlass, stepped upon the dais, leaving Jarl in the boat’s head, equipped with his harpoon; three loaded muskets lying by his side.  He was strictly enjoined to resist the slightest demonstration toward our craft.