A Strange Manuscript Found in a Copper Cylinder James De Mille

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CHAPTER XXXI
CONCLUSION
In the midst of this the paupers and the hags talked earnestly
together. Some of those who had been nearest in rank to the late Chief
Pauper and Chief Hag were conspicuous in the debate. All looked at me
and at Almah, and pointed toward the sun, which was wheeling along
behind the distant mountain crest, showing a golden disc. Then they
pointed to the dead bodies; and the hags took the Chief Hag, and the
paupers the Chief Pauper, and laid them side by side on the central
altar. After this a hag and a pauper advanced toward us, each carrying
the sacrificial knife which had belonged to the deceased.
The hag spoke first, addressing Almah, in accordance with the Kosekin
custom, which requires women to take the precedence in many things.
"Take this," she said, "O Almah, consort of Atam-or, and Co-ruler of
Clouds and Darkness. Henceforth you shall be Judge of Death to the
women of the Kosekin."
She then handed Almah the sacrificial knife of the Chief Hag, which
Almah took in silence.
Then the pauper presented me with the sacrificial knife of the Chief
Pauper, with the following words:
"Take this, O Atam-or, Father of Thunder and Ruler of Clouds and
Darkness. Henceforth you shall be Judge of Death to the men of the
Kosekin, and Sar Tabakin over the whole nation."
I received the knife in silence, for I had nothing to say; but now
Almah spoke, as was fitting for her to do, since with the Kosekin the
women must take the precedence; and here it was expected that she
should reply in behalf of both of us.
So Almah, holding the sacrificial knife, stood looking at them, full
of dignity, and spoke as follows:
"We will take this, O Kosekin, and we will reward you all. We will
begin our reign over the Kosekin with memorable acts of mercy. These