with an earnest gesture with one hand, the Jew raised his wand to heaven, at the same time obliterating a portion of the circle, and at once the wretches rushed upon the dog and speedily cut its throat, and hung the carcass to a pole placed upright. Signifying then that a fire should be kindled, the Jew pointed to the plunder and directed it to be collected. He was obeyed. All this time he stood with his wand uplifted, his eyes turned toward heaven and uttering in a hoarse voice powerful incantations in Arabic, and when the fire was well kindled, selecting two of the least intoxicated in the crowd by a touch of his wand, they quickly flayed the dog and the carcass passed rapidly over the fire. The limbs were torn asunder, and each portion again purified with fire. The sacred morsels were then passed around, and every man tasted a portion. It was the oath of their sacrament. Each portion of the accumulated property was then distributed. The Jew’s keen eye discerned the most influential and the most sober. Dividing and distributing according to his judgment, each man’s share was apportioned, the Jew and his companion reserving only a small enameled casket inlaid on the cover with a diademed head, the casket being of very beautiful and ancient Greek workmanship. “Within we shall assuredly find enough to content ourselves with,” he said aside to his companion. Then spreading out his arms and waving his wand, uttering aloud his parting invocation, the Jew beckoned to his partner and both rapidly passed on before their astonished congregation had time to
