Kerœcia smiled broadly. Turning to Yermah, she asked: “When will thy city receive me?” “Whenever it pleases thee to come. We will gladly do escort duty now.” “That were not possible. But in a fortnight expect me.” “Haille! Haille!” echoed again and again. It was fully an hour before the presents were all exchanged. There were exquisite articles of ivory, carved and chased in colors, and inlaid with metals and stones. Baskets of incredible fineness and blankets such as the Navajo Indians used to make were given by the Monbas. Cunningly wrought cups of pottery were offered to Kerœcia by Ildiko, one being of her own make. It was round, and had for a handle a female head, which was an excellent likeness of herself. Taking a finely woven horsehair rope, which terminated in oblong onyx balls—Kerœcia swung one end high over her head, while retaining the other in her left hand. Facing Yermah, she entangled him completely by a dexterous turn of her wrists, despite his playful protest. The two balls swinging in opposite directions rapidly encircled and held him as if in a grip of steel. “That, also, is a spiral movement,” she exclaimed, mischievously. “And one which I have neither the desire nor the power to control or escape,” he replied, meaningly. “The laws of hospitality declare the property confiscate to thee. The cord should be condemned to a life of hard service.” “On the contrary, it shall have a high place in my affections, and shall receive state honors.” There was that in his look and voice which sent the warm blood mantling to her cheek and brow. Akaza came forward and with a blessing slipped a ring on her little finger. It was set with a garnet, having a lion intaglio. “This will guard thee on thy journey, and prevent evil machinations from having control over the matters in hand.” What she said in return was drowned in the blare of trumpets and the general preparations for departure. “May Ambra plant flowers and make thy life a garden spot. May the Good Spirit protect and bless thee and thine,” was shouted after the moving column. “May the spirits of darkness never cast a shadow on thy pathway,” came in answering echoes, as the trees and rocks finally hid the departing embassy. CHAPTER SEVEN KEŒCIA VISITS THE ENCHANTED GARDENS It was called the “Lifting of Banners” the day that the high-priestess, Kerœcia, arrived in Tlamco and the anniversary was for centuries after, celebrated with much pomp and ceremony. Stout ropes of similar fiber to that in use to-day were stretched from the inner to the outer circle of obelisks. At regular intervals along these lines were strung bits of cotton cloth in octavos of coloring, alternating square and triangular shapes with innumerable devices painted upon them.