The priest bowed his head, then said, "The People are used to ceremony
on outstanding occasions. We have arranged for suitable sacrifices to
the gods. At their completion, we will proclaim a festival. And then--"
The warriors had cleared a way through the multitude to the pyramid and
now the Earthlings could see a score of chained men and women, nude save
for loin cloths and obviously captives.
Plekhanov made his way toward them, Joe Chessman at his right and a pace
to the rear. The prisoners stood straight and, considering their
position, with calm.