Every one was anxious to talk the matter over with his neighbor. So, they all sought their homes in animated groups, leaving behind a scene of disorder. Napkins were scattered wherever the last ablutions were performed. Ewers and cups with their contents had been frequently overturned. Fragments of food, cooked and uncooked, some untouched and others partly eaten, were abandoned by the sated appetite, and left without further thought, until hunger should recall their excellence.
In a short time the streets were silent and deserted, the remaining hours of the day being devoted to a siesta indoors. No one issued from his house again until night unpinned a black curtain and rolled it down over the earth.
When God had hung His lanterns in the sky, the people came together again. They went back to the pavilion which was now a blaze of light from the many flambeaux stuck into brass urns around the high walls, augmented by hundreds of silk lanterns festooned on wires stretching across to the center pole. There was breeze enough to keep the flags in motion, and to cause the lights to flicker fitfully, adding to the fairy-like beauty of the scene.
The character of the music had entirely changed. The kettle-drums were muffled and beaten with the fingers only. Instead of the blare of trumpets, there were harps such as the Yaqui Indians use, and differing but little from the modern instruments.
Slabs of black and white marble covered the ring floor, save where a wide passageway had been left on all sides for use of the people in seating themselves. The pavilion had been transformed into a bower of roses and artificial trees.
Under a floral canopy, Kerœcia, dressed in white and silver gauze, sat with one of the judges on either side of her. She was waiting to crown the victors. The musicians made victory, love and triumph their theme, as Yermah, escorted by Ben Hu Barabe, approached and knelt to receive a crown of lilies and a palm.
“Rise in thy majesty, bearer of the victorious palm! Go forth and renew thy triumphs, until the sun comes again to strengthen thy lion heart. Peace be with thee!”
“Hear me, O Priestess! Grant thy servant leave to encircle thy slender fingers with a set of rings made for thee, having the virtues of the planets and sent with the blessings of the people of Tlamco,” entreated Yermah, kneeling.
“Thy wishes and those of thy people are law unto me,” responded Kerœcia, giving him her hand.
Alcamayn presented him with a cushion of purple silk on which lay the seven rings.