When Jenkins first saw the hideous creature, he was standing silent and motionless, as if wrapped in deep thought; but after a few seconds he aroused himself, began walking around each fire in turn, muttering in guttural tones, and drawing the blade of the knife across his chest, causing the blood to flow in tiny streams with every stroke.
The spectators watched him as if spellbound. No one so much as moved, and Jenkins could have sworn that they were literally holding their breath.
Weaving his way in and out among the piles of burning wood, the old fellow continued to hack and cut at himself until the entire upper portion of his body was covered with blood, and then, crouching upon the earth, he gazed steadily into the flames for several moments.
Jenkins was about to turn away, believing the performance had come to a close, when the negro sprang to his feet with a quick, agile movement, and looked around upon his companions like one just awakening from a dream.
Now it could be told from the expression on the black faces that all believed they were about to hear some wonderful revelation, and after a certain length of time, probably made as long as possible in order to render his words the more impressive, the old man began to speak, slowly at first, but increasing in vehemence until it sounded more like the snarl of an angry animal than the result of a human voice.
He spoke in a language which Jenkins did not understand, but, under the circumstances, it was not difficult to fancy the long harangue had especial reference to the prisoners.
During at least fifteen minutes he continued in the most impassioned strain, and then ensued the same scene the mate had witnessed near the beach.
All present began the apparently meaningless dance and song around the fires, and Jenkins, thinking he had seen enough of this mummery, made his way back to those whom he knew were awaiting his return.
There was no thought of gathering wood as he crept cautiously through the passage, and when he reached the place allotted to the prisoners, all was dark and still.
“Are you here, boys?” he asked, in a low tone.