AdeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A LINK FROM THE PAST On their triumphal return to the cliff with the tusks of the slain elephant as trophies of the hunt a strange spectacle met the boys' eyes.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Clustered about a sort of altar, which they had not noticed before, was a group of the cliff-dwellers who seemed to be deeply interested in something that was going forward.
altarnounUS /ˈɔːltər/
the table in Christian churches where communion is given
From this reading Clustered about a sort of altar, which they had not noticed before, was a group of the cliff-dwellers who seemed to be deeply interested in something that was going forward.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A loud sound of chanting and intoning of what seemed to be a solemn ritual was the first inkling the boys had of what was going on.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A LINK FROM THE PAST On their triumphal return to the cliff with the tusks of the slain elephant as trophies of the hunt a strange spectacle met the boys' eyes.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Clustered about a sort of altar, which they had not noticed before, was a group of the cliff-dwellers who seemed to be deeply interested in something that was going forward.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Clustered about a sort of altar, which they had not noticed before, was a group of the cliff-dwellers who seemed to be deeply interested in something that was going forward.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading On joining the throng the lads found that it was some sort of a religious ceremony that was being proceeded with.
BillynounUS /ˈbɪli/
a short stout club used primarily by policemen
From this reading A group of men in white flowing robes and high conical hats--decorated with mystic symbols worked out in precious stones that looked like rubies and emeralds, though of such size that this seemed scarcely credible--were walking round and round the altar in a sort of what the irreverent Billy termed "a cakewalk."
boysnounUS /bɔɪz/
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading A LINK FROM THE PAST On their triumphal return to the cliff with the tusks of the slain elephant as trophies of the hunt a strange spectacle met the boys' eyes.
cakewalknoun
a strutting dance based on a march; was performed in minstrel shows; originated as a competition among Black dancers to win a cake
From this reading A group of men in white flowing robes and high conical hats--decorated with mystic symbols worked out in precious stones that looked like rubies and emeralds, though of such size that this seemed scarcely credible--were walking round and round the altar in a sort of what the irreverent Billy termed "a cakewalk."
ceremonynounUS /ˈserəmoʊni/
a formal event performed on a special occasion
From this reading On joining the throng the lads found that it was some sort of a religious ceremony that was being proceeded with.
chantingnounUS /ˈtʃæntɪŋ/
the act of singing in a monotonous tone
From this reading A loud sound of chanting and intoning of what seemed to be a solemn ritual was the first inkling the boys had of what was going on.
cliffnounUS /klɪf/
a steep high face of rock
From this reading A LINK FROM THE PAST On their triumphal return to the cliff with the tusks of the slain elephant as trophies of the hunt a strange spectacle met the boys' eyes.
cliff-dwellers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Clustered about a sort of altar, which they had not noticed before, was a group of the cliff-dwellers who seemed to be deeply interested in something that was going forward.
ClusteredadjectiveUS /ˈklʌstərd/
growing close together but not in dense mats
From this reading Clustered about a sort of altar, which they had not noticed before, was a group of the cliff-dwellers who seemed to be deeply interested in something that was going forward.
conicaladjectiveUS /ˈkɑːnɪkəl/
relating to or resembling a cone
From this reading A group of men in white flowing robes and high conical hats--decorated with mystic symbols worked out in precious stones that looked like rubies and emeralds, though of such size that this seemed scarcely credible--were walking round and round the altar in a sort of what the irreverent Billy termed "a cakewalk."
credibleadjectiveUS /ˈkredəbəl/
capable of being believed
From this reading A group of men in white flowing robes and high conical hats--decorated with mystic symbols worked out in precious stones that looked like rubies and emeralds, though of such size that this seemed scarcely credible--were walking round and round the altar in a sort of what the irreverent Billy termed "a cakewalk."
decoratedadjectiveUS /ˈdekəreɪtɪd/
provided with something intended to increase its beauty or distinction
From this reading A group of men in white flowing robes and high conical hats--decorated with mystic symbols worked out in precious stones that looked like rubies and emeralds, though of such size that this seemed scarcely credible--were walking round and round the altar in a sort of what the irreverent Billy termed "a cakewalk."
deeplyadverbUS /ˈdiːpli/
to a great depth psychologically or emotionally
From this reading Clustered about a sort of altar, which they had not noticed before, was a group of the cliff-dwellers who seemed to be deeply interested in something that was going forward.
elephantnounUS /ˈeləfənt/
five-toed pachyderm
From this reading A LINK FROM THE PAST On their triumphal return to the cliff with the tusks of the slain elephant as trophies of the hunt a strange spectacle met the boys' eyes.
emeraldsnounUS /ˈemrəldz/
plural of “emerald” — a green transparent form of beryl; highly valued as a gemstone
From this reading A group of men in white flowing robes and high conical hats--decorated with mystic symbols worked out in precious stones that looked like rubies and emeralds, though of such size that this seemed scarcely credible--were walking round and round the altar in a sort of what the irreverent Billy termed "a cakewalk."
eyesnounUS /aɪz/
opinion or judgment
From this reading A LINK FROM THE PAST On their triumphal return to the cliff with the tusks of the slain elephant as trophies of the hunt a strange spectacle met the boys' eyes.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading A loud sound of chanting and intoning of what seemed to be a solemn ritual was the first inkling the boys had of what was going on.
flowingnounUS /ˈfloʊɪŋ/
the motion characteristic of fluids (liquids or gases)
From this reading A group of men in white flowing robes and high conical hats--decorated with mystic symbols worked out in precious stones that looked like rubies and emeralds, though of such size that this seemed scarcely credible--were walking round and round the altar in a sort of what the irreverent Billy termed "a cakewalk."
forwardadverbUS /ˈfɔːrwərd/
at or to or toward the front
From this reading Clustered about a sort of altar, which they had not noticed before, was a group of the cliff-dwellers who seemed to be deeply interested in something that was going forward.
foundverbUS /faʊnd/
set up or found
From this reading On joining the throng the lads found that it was some sort of a religious ceremony that was being proceeded with.
FROMprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A LINK FROM THE PAST On their triumphal return to the cliff with the tusks of the slain elephant as trophies of the hunt a strange spectacle met the boys' eyes.
goingnounUS /ˈɡoʊɪŋ/
the act of departing
From this reading Clustered about a sort of altar, which they had not noticed before, was a group of the cliff-dwellers who seemed to be deeply interested in something that was going forward.
groupnounUS /ɡruːp/
any number of entities (members) considered as a unit
From this reading Clustered about a sort of altar, which they had not noticed before, was a group of the cliff-dwellers who seemed to be deeply interested in something that was going forward.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Clustered about a sort of altar, which they had not noticed before, was a group of the cliff-dwellers who seemed to be deeply interested in something that was going forward.
hatsnounUS /hæts/
plural of “hat” — headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim
From this reading A group of men in white flowing robes and high conical hats--decorated with mystic symbols worked out in precious stones that looked like rubies and emeralds, though of such size that this seemed scarcely credible--were walking round and round the altar in a sort of what the irreverent Billy termed "a cakewalk."
highadjectiveUS /haɪ/
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading A group of men in white flowing robes and high conical hats--decorated with mystic symbols worked out in precious stones that looked like rubies and emeralds, though of such size that this seemed scarcely credible--were walking round and round the altar in a sort of what the irreverent Billy termed "a cakewalk."
huntverbUS /hʌnt/
pursue for food or sport (as of wild animals)
From this reading A LINK FROM THE PAST On their triumphal return to the cliff with the tusks of the slain elephant as trophies of the hunt a strange spectacle met the boys' eyes.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Clustered about a sort of altar, which they had not noticed before, was a group of the cliff-dwellers who seemed to be deeply interested in something that was going forward.
inklingnounUS /ˈɪŋklɪŋ/
a slight suggestion or vague understanding
From this reading A loud sound of chanting and intoning of what seemed to be a solemn ritual was the first inkling the boys had of what was going on.
interestedadjectiveUS /ˈɪntrəstɪd/
having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern
From this reading Clustered about a sort of altar, which they had not noticed before, was a group of the cliff-dwellers who seemed to be deeply interested in something that was going forward.
intoningverbUS /ˌɪnˈtoʊnɪŋ/
-ing form of “intone” — utter monotonously and repetitively and rhythmically
From this reading A loud sound of chanting and intoning of what seemed to be a solemn ritual was the first inkling the boys had of what was going on.
irreverentadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈrevərənt/
showing lack of due respect or veneration
From this reading A group of men in white flowing robes and high conical hats--decorated with mystic symbols worked out in precious stones that looked like rubies and emeralds, though of such size that this seemed scarcely credible--were walking round and round the altar in a sort of what the irreverent Billy termed "a cakewalk."
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading On joining the throng the lads found that it was some sort of a religious ceremony that was being proceeded with.
joiningnounUS /ˈdʒɔɪnɪŋ/
the act of bringing two things into contact (especially for communication)
From this reading On joining the throng the lads found that it was some sort of a religious ceremony that was being proceeded with.
ladsnounUS /lædz/
plural of “lad” — a boy or man
From this reading On joining the throng the lads found that it was some sort of a religious ceremony that was being proceeded with.
likeverbUS /laɪk/
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading A group of men in white flowing robes and high conical hats--decorated with mystic symbols worked out in precious stones that looked like rubies and emeralds, though of such size that this seemed scarcely credible--were walking round and round the altar in a sort of what the irreverent Billy termed "a cakewalk."
LINKverbUS /lɪŋk/
make a logical or causal connection
From this reading A LINK FROM THE PAST On their triumphal return to the cliff with the tusks of the slain elephant as trophies of the hunt a strange spectacle met the boys' eyes.
lookedverbUS /lʊkt/
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading A group of men in white flowing robes and high conical hats--decorated with mystic symbols worked out in precious stones that looked like rubies and emeralds, though of such size that this seemed scarcely credible--were walking round and round the altar in a sort of what the irreverent Billy termed "a cakewalk."
loudadjectiveUS /laʊd/
characterized by or producing sound of great volume or intensity
From this reading A loud sound of chanting and intoning of what seemed to be a solemn ritual was the first inkling the boys had of what was going on.
mennounUS /men/
the force of workers available
From this reading A group of men in white flowing robes and high conical hats--decorated with mystic symbols worked out in precious stones that looked like rubies and emeralds, though of such size that this seemed scarcely credible--were walking round and round the altar in a sort of what the irreverent Billy termed "a cakewalk."
metverbUS /met/
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading A LINK FROM THE PAST On their triumphal return to the cliff with the tusks of the slain elephant as trophies of the hunt a strange spectacle met the boys' eyes.
mysticadjectiveUS /ˈmɪstɪk/
having an import not apparent to the senses nor obvious to the intelligence; beyond ordinary understanding
From this reading A group of men in white flowing robes and high conical hats--decorated with mystic symbols worked out in precious stones that looked like rubies and emeralds, though of such size that this seemed scarcely credible--were walking round and round the altar in a sort of what the irreverent Billy termed "a cakewalk."
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Clustered about a sort of altar, which they had not noticed before, was a group of the cliff-dwellers who seemed to be deeply interested in something that was going forward.
noticedadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊtəst/
being perceived or observed
From this reading Clustered about a sort of altar, which they had not noticed before, was a group of the cliff-dwellers who seemed to be deeply interested in something that was going forward.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A LINK FROM THE PAST On their triumphal return to the cliff with the tusks of the slain elephant as trophies of the hunt a strange spectacle met the boys' eyes.
OnprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A LINK FROM THE PAST On their triumphal return to the cliff with the tusks of the slain elephant as trophies of the hunt a strange spectacle met the boys' eyes.
outadjectiveUS /aʊt/
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading A group of men in white flowing robes and high conical hats--decorated with mystic symbols worked out in precious stones that looked like rubies and emeralds, though of such size that this seemed scarcely credible--were walking round and round the altar in a sort of what the irreverent Billy termed "a cakewalk."
PASTnounUS /pæst/
the time that has elapsed
From this reading A LINK FROM THE PAST On their triumphal return to the cliff with the tusks of the slain elephant as trophies of the hunt a strange spectacle met the boys' eyes.
preciousadjectiveUS /ˈpreʃəs/
characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for
From this reading A group of men in white flowing robes and high conical hats--decorated with mystic symbols worked out in precious stones that looked like rubies and emeralds, though of such size that this seemed scarcely credible--were walking round and round the altar in a sort of what the irreverent Billy termed "a cakewalk."
proceededverbUS /prəˈsiːdɪd/
past form of “proceed” — continue talking
From this reading On joining the throng the lads found that it was some sort of a religious ceremony that was being proceeded with.
religiousadjectiveUS /rɪˈlɪdʒəs/
concerned with sacred matters or religion or the church
From this reading On joining the throng the lads found that it was some sort of a religious ceremony that was being proceeded with.
returnverbUS /rɪˈtɜːrn/
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading A LINK FROM THE PAST On their triumphal return to the cliff with the tusks of the slain elephant as trophies of the hunt a strange spectacle met the boys' eyes.
ritualnounUS /ˈrɪtʃuːəl/
any customary observance or practice
From this reading A loud sound of chanting and intoning of what seemed to be a solemn ritual was the first inkling the boys had of what was going on.
robesnounUS /roʊbz/
plural of “robe” — any loose flowing garment
From this reading A group of men in white flowing robes and high conical hats--decorated with mystic symbols worked out in precious stones that looked like rubies and emeralds, though of such size that this seemed scarcely credible--were walking round and round the altar in a sort of what the irreverent Billy termed "a cakewalk."
roundnounUS /raʊnd/
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading A group of men in white flowing robes and high conical hats--decorated with mystic symbols worked out in precious stones that looked like rubies and emeralds, though of such size that this seemed scarcely credible--were walking round and round the altar in a sort of what the irreverent Billy termed "a cakewalk."
rubiesnounUS /ˈruːbiz/
plural of “ruby” — a transparent piece of ruby that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem
From this reading A group of men in white flowing robes and high conical hats--decorated with mystic symbols worked out in precious stones that looked like rubies and emeralds, though of such size that this seemed scarcely credible--were walking round and round the altar in a sort of what the irreverent Billy termed "a cakewalk."
scarcelyadverbUS /ˈskersli/
only a very short time before
From this reading A group of men in white flowing robes and high conical hats--decorated with mystic symbols worked out in precious stones that looked like rubies and emeralds, though of such size that this seemed scarcely credible--were walking round and round the altar in a sort of what the irreverent Billy termed "a cakewalk."
seemedverbUS /siːmd/
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Clustered about a sort of altar, which they had not noticed before, was a group of the cliff-dwellers who seemed to be deeply interested in something that was going forward.
sizenounUS /saɪz/
the physical magnitude of something (how big it is)
From this reading A group of men in white flowing robes and high conical hats--decorated with mystic symbols worked out in precious stones that looked like rubies and emeralds, though of such size that this seemed scarcely credible--were walking round and round the altar in a sort of what the irreverent Billy termed "a cakewalk."
slainnounUS /sleɪn/
people who have been slain (as in battle)
From this reading A LINK FROM THE PAST On their triumphal return to the cliff with the tusks of the slain elephant as trophies of the hunt a strange spectacle met the boys' eyes.
solemnadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːləm/
dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises
From this reading A loud sound of chanting and intoning of what seemed to be a solemn ritual was the first inkling the boys had of what was going on.
someadjectiveUS /sʌm/
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading On joining the throng the lads found that it was some sort of a religious ceremony that was being proceeded with.
somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
a thing, without saying which
From this reading Clustered about a sort of altar, which they had not noticed before, was a group of the cliff-dwellers who seemed to be deeply interested in something that was going forward.
sortnounUS /sɔːrt/
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading Clustered about a sort of altar, which they had not noticed before, was a group of the cliff-dwellers who seemed to be deeply interested in something that was going forward.
soundnounUS /saʊnd/
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading A loud sound of chanting and intoning of what seemed to be a solemn ritual was the first inkling the boys had of what was going on.
spectaclenounUS /ˈspektəkəl/
something or someone seen (especially a notable or unusual sight)
From this reading A LINK FROM THE PAST On their triumphal return to the cliff with the tusks of the slain elephant as trophies of the hunt a strange spectacle met the boys' eyes.
stonesnounUS /stoʊnz/
plural of “stone” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading A group of men in white flowing robes and high conical hats--decorated with mystic symbols worked out in precious stones that looked like rubies and emeralds, though of such size that this seemed scarcely credible--were walking round and round the altar in a sort of what the irreverent Billy termed "a cakewalk."
strangeadjectiveUS /streɪndʒ/
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading A LINK FROM THE PAST On their triumphal return to the cliff with the tusks of the slain elephant as trophies of the hunt a strange spectacle met the boys' eyes.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading A group of men in white flowing robes and high conical hats--decorated with mystic symbols worked out in precious stones that looked like rubies and emeralds, though of such size that this seemed scarcely credible--were walking round and round the altar in a sort of what the irreverent Billy termed "a cakewalk."
symbolsnounUS /ˈsɪmbəlz/
plural of “symbol” — an arbitrary sign (written or printed) that has acquired a conventional significance
From this reading A group of men in white flowing robes and high conical hats--decorated with mystic symbols worked out in precious stones that looked like rubies and emeralds, though of such size that this seemed scarcely credible--were walking round and round the altar in a sort of what the irreverent Billy termed "a cakewalk."
termedverbUS /tɜːrmd/
past form of “term” — name formally or designate with a term
From this reading A group of men in white flowing robes and high conical hats--decorated with mystic symbols worked out in precious stones that looked like rubies and emeralds, though of such size that this seemed scarcely credible--were walking round and round the altar in a sort of what the irreverent Billy termed "a cakewalk."
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Clustered about a sort of altar, which they had not noticed before, was a group of the cliff-dwellers who seemed to be deeply interested in something that was going forward.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A LINK FROM THE PAST On their triumphal return to the cliff with the tusks of the slain elephant as trophies of the hunt a strange spectacle met the boys' eyes.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading A LINK FROM THE PAST On their triumphal return to the cliff with the tusks of the slain elephant as trophies of the hunt a strange spectacle met the boys' eyes.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Clustered about a sort of altar, which they had not noticed before, was a group of the cliff-dwellers who seemed to be deeply interested in something that was going forward.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading A group of men in white flowing robes and high conical hats--decorated with mystic symbols worked out in precious stones that looked like rubies and emeralds, though of such size that this seemed scarcely credible--were walking round and round the altar in a sort of what the irreverent Billy termed "a cakewalk."
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading A group of men in white flowing robes and high conical hats--decorated with mystic symbols worked out in precious stones that looked like rubies and emeralds, though of such size that this seemed scarcely credible--were walking round and round the altar in a sort of what the irreverent Billy termed "a cakewalk."
throngnounUS /θrɔːŋ/
a large gathering of people
From this reading On joining the throng the lads found that it was some sort of a religious ceremony that was being proceeded with.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A LINK FROM THE PAST On their triumphal return to the cliff with the tusks of the slain elephant as trophies of the hunt a strange spectacle met the boys' eyes.
triumphaladjectiveUS /traɪˈʌmfəl/
relating to or celebrating a triumph
From this reading A LINK FROM THE PAST On their triumphal return to the cliff with the tusks of the slain elephant as trophies of the hunt a strange spectacle met the boys' eyes.
trophiesnounUS /ˈtroʊfiz/
plural of “trophy” — an award for success in war or hunting
From this reading A LINK FROM THE PAST On their triumphal return to the cliff with the tusks of the slain elephant as trophies of the hunt a strange spectacle met the boys' eyes.
tusksnounUS /tʌsks/
plural of “tusk” — a hard smooth ivory colored dentine that makes up most of the tusks of elephants and walruses
From this reading A LINK FROM THE PAST On their triumphal return to the cliff with the tusks of the slain elephant as trophies of the hunt a strange spectacle met the boys' eyes.
walkingadjectiveUS /ˈwɔːkɪŋ/
close enough to be walked to
From this reading A group of men in white flowing robes and high conical hats--decorated with mystic symbols worked out in precious stones that looked like rubies and emeralds, though of such size that this seemed scarcely credible--were walking round and round the altar in a sort of what the irreverent Billy termed "a cakewalk."
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Clustered about a sort of altar, which they had not noticed before, was a group of the cliff-dwellers who seemed to be deeply interested in something that was going forward.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading A group of men in white flowing robes and high conical hats--decorated with mystic symbols worked out in precious stones that looked like rubies and emeralds, though of such size that this seemed scarcely credible--were walking round and round the altar in a sort of what the irreverent Billy termed "a cakewalk."
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading A loud sound of chanting and intoning of what seemed to be a solemn ritual was the first inkling the boys had of what was going on.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Clustered about a sort of altar, which they had not noticed before, was a group of the cliff-dwellers who seemed to be deeply interested in something that was going forward.
whitenounUS /waɪt/
a Caucasian
From this reading A group of men in white flowing robes and high conical hats--decorated with mystic symbols worked out in precious stones that looked like rubies and emeralds, though of such size that this seemed scarcely credible--were walking round and round the altar in a sort of what the irreverent Billy termed "a cakewalk."
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading Clustered about a sort of altar, which they had not noticed before, was a group of the cliff-dwellers who seemed to be deeply interested in something that was going forward.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading A LINK FROM THE PAST On their triumphal return to the cliff with the tusks of the slain elephant as trophies of the hunt a strange spectacle met the boys' eyes.
workedverbUS /wɜːrkt/
past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading A group of men in white flowing robes and high conical hats--decorated with mystic symbols worked out in precious stones that looked like rubies and emeralds, though of such size that this seemed scarcely credible--were walking round and round the altar in a sort of what the irreverent Billy termed "a cakewalk."
