The heat of the candles, the smell of the eternal lotus flower and smoking incense sticks made even the huge vault stifling.

Many of the idols were bejeweled or patched with beaten gold leaf, and many had been coveted by wandering white men, who, when their endeavor became known, disappeared mysteriously and were never more known in the haunts of men.
A man in tatters appeared suddenly in the great arched doorway.

His turban came down almost to his eyes and a neckcloth covered his mouth.
All that could be seen of him in the matter of countenance was a pair of brilliant eyes and a predatory nose.

He threw a quick piercing glance about, assured himself that such devotees as he saw were harmless, then strode boldly, if hurriedly, toward the rear chamber, which he entered without ado.

Instantly the indignant priests rushed toward him to expel him and give him a tongue-lashing for his impudence, when a hand was thrust out, and they beheld upon a finger a great green stone.