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90 holding two lighted torches in his hands. These men were dancing and singing like wild Indians, and leaping in the circle of fire and out again with marvelous rapidity. Outside of the crowd of men was another crowd of women and children, also with lighted torches, who were singing a song of their own. On the ground sat four old men beating drums fast and furiously, while a perfect hag of a woman occupied her time by spinning around and around on one heel of her naked and bony foot, like a teetotum.

"By Jove, here's a scene!" cried Oliver. "Do you know what these people are? They are fire-worshipers, and this is their annual sacred dance."