Like true children of nature, these people entered with much zest into the ridiculous performances of a monkey and clown perched upon the backs of swift-paced burros.
In the midst of this race, jugglers with balls, javelins, disks and parasols, gave exhibitions of their skill, while heavy copper bars and hammers were tossed and flung about with apparent ease. It was a busy time with the gamblers and fortune-tellers, as well as with the vendors of all kinds of trinkets.
“Clang! clang! clang! clang!” sounded the big gong.
“Clear the ring for the caribou race!” shouted the cazique, as he clattered by on horseback. “Clear the ring, everybody! This is the women’s race!”
While the performers were scurrying about, obeying this order by getting their belongings out of the way as rapidly as possible, three chariots were driven in, containing Kerœcia, Ildiko and Alcyesta.
“Yermah, the victorious, challenges for the high-priestess, Kerœcia,” announced the judges, as Yermah advanced to the head of the priestess’s team.
In the deafening outburst following on all sides, the caribou became unmanageable, and it was several minutes before the entanglement could be straightened out sufficiently to warrant further procedure.
“Alcamayn of Tlamco, challenges for fair Ildiko.”
The little jeweler stepped out proudly and took a position in front of the state carriage of the Azes, the same ivory and gold vehicle which Yermah had driven when Kerœcia visited the Llama city.
“Ben Hu Barabe, of Anokia, challenges for Alcyesta. The contest is for a gold cup, given by this city. Partisans of each team must lay wagers lively. Stand back, men, and give the women a chance! Once and a half around the ring! Now for the cup!”