WINTER CEREMONIAL DANCES 93

Cannibal is excited by the snarling of dogs, so is a man-eater
aroused by the sound of people, his prey, talking together.
Presently he hears voices from an adjacent house and staggers
to his feet, drawing with him those who seek to hold him down.
They endeavour to restrain him, and for a short time succeed,
but soon he breaks the weighted stick, throws of his cloak,
and rushes madly from the house. Of course this is done with
the connivance of those who seem to be holding him. When
the kukusiut arrive outside, after delaying one another by all
trying to push through the door at the same instant, X has
vanished. They cry out ye -- loudly four times to assist
him on his journey, and the men on the mountain, hearing the
noise and seeing the people rush forth, drone without exposing
themselves. The sound is heard in the village and a shout is
raised:

“He has gone up as a bird on rising from the ground.”

The kukusiut return to X’s house where they hang the rope
on the wall and sit down to a meal during which a marshal
admonishes them. There is no singing or other noise because
X has gone forth into danger; they are sad at his sudden
departure from their midst and full of forebodings for his wel-
fare. Besides, all wish to keep silent so that they will be able
to hear the first sounds of his return. After the conclusion of
the meal they disperse quietly.

Meanwhile X is lurking in concealment in a near-by house
where the utmost pains are taken to ensure that no uninitiated
should see him. When it is decided that he shall reappear, two
accomplices are sent up the mountain, and one evening when
all the kukusiut have gathered for a ceremonial there is heard
aloud thud on the roof. Out rush the kukusiut and grip X,
whom they carry struggling into the house where he dashes
around biting the arms and legs of all who come within his
reach. Then with a rush he dashes from the house, eluding
those who, apparently, seek to detain him, and has vanished
by the time they emerge. All cry out ye--- four times, and
the accomplices from the mountain drone in reply. The un-