We crossed the large parade-ground, and picked our way over a rough and pathless country, lighted only by the stars above.
Arriving at the edge of the ravine, what a scene was before us! We looked down into a natural amphitheatre, in which blazed great fires; hordes of wild Apaches darted about, while others sat on logs beating their tomtoms.
I was afraid, and held back, but the rest of the party descended into the ravine, and, leaning on a good strong arm, I followed.

We all sat down on the great trunk of a fallen tree, and soon the dancers came into the arena.
They were entirely naked, except for the loin-cloth; their bodies were painted, and from their elbows and knees stood out bunches of feathers, giving them the appearance of huge flying creatures; jingling things were attached to their necks and arms.

Upon their heads were large frames, made to resemble the branching horns of an elk, and as they danced, and bowed their heads, the horns lent them the appearance of some unknown animal, and added greatly to their height.

Their feathers waved, their jingles shook, and their painted bodies twisted and turned in the light of the great fire, which roared and leaped on high.

At one moment they were birds, at another animals, at the next they were demons.
The noise of the tomtoms and the harsh shouts of the Indians grew wilder and wilder.