The pipes were already charged.

He made signs to us to sit down, and took his place in front of us.

Then he began singing in a low voice, rocking himself to and fro, and waving a staff which he held in his hand.

Gradually his voice rose, and his gesticulations and actions became more violent.

So far as I could make out, it was a prayer to Siva that he would give some glimpse of the future which might benefit the sahibs who had saved the life of his servant.