One immense drum booming out

"All night they were disturbed by a lot of drumming in the villages. A deep, rapid roll near by would be followed by another far off - then all ceased. Soon short appeals would rattle hear and there, then all mingle together, increase, become vigorous and sustained, would spread out over the forest, roll through the night, unbroken and ceaseless, near and far, as if the whole land had been one immense drum booming out steadily an appeal to heaven. And through the deep and tremendous noise sudden yells that resembled snatches of songs from a madhouse darted shrill and high in discordant jets of sound which seemed to rush far above the earth and drive peace from under the stars ..."

- Joseph Conrad, An Outpost Of Progress