The same with the followers.
Their number gradually increased. For the bells did the work of
arousing curiosity; they tolled plangently into the night.
Stranger pageant never trod Nepenthe. Some thoughtful person had
discovered that umbrellas might be used with advantage. Umbrellas were
therefore utilized by all save the priests, the choristers,
torch-bearers, and those carrying the statue of the Saint who, for
reasons of personal dignity or expediency, preferred the other method.
They chanted their psalms and litanies through handkerchiefs, knowing
full well that their music would be none the less pleasing to the Saint
for being more than usually nasal in tone. Thus, with soundless
footfalls, they perambulated the streets and outskirts of the town,
gathering fresh recruits as they went.
And still the ashes fell.
Viewing this cortege of awe-struck innocents braying into the blackness
under their umbrellas at the heels of a silver-plated idol (not yet
paid for), an intelligent God might well be proud of his workmanship.
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