50 A DELUSION. 



denizens of the hamlet, who I verily believe were 

 magically multiplied that night for our torment, 

 thrusting in their wondering visages to get sight of 

 the "Atwoken Callowole," or "Big boats' people." 

 These manifestations of wonder were to be tolerated, 

 as they really did friendly service, letting in some of 

 the delicious cold air which was otherwise denied us ; 

 but alas, an ordeal we had little reckoned on was yet 

 to come, dread Shamanism in all its terrors. Just 

 when we eagerly anticipated the signal for repose, the 

 tent was invaded by a host of both sexes, among 

 whom two men of a villainous aspect (to us at that 

 moment particularly so), carried large drums or 

 tambourines ; and a nocturnal serenade immediately 

 commenced, which for screeching and deafening 

 uproar equalled music of the Infernos. The perform- 

 ances were commenced by the two drum-beating 

 Shamans, who sang monotonously while tapping in a 

 slow measured time ; and these were soon joined by 

 the whole body in chorus, with violent shouts and 

 gesticulations, increasing in rapidity and vehemence. 

 This sort of thing continued for nearly half an hour, 

 by which time Martin and I were almost bewildered, 

 and victims of racking headaches. After these rather 

 forcible demonstrations of rejoicing, for such our host 

 interpreted them to be, we were still further entertained 



