What happens in Chapter 17 of The Egypt Game?

In Chapter
17, entitled "The Oracle Speaks", the Egyptians meet in the alley and enter Egypt all
together so no one will have a chance "to fool around with the Oracle before everyone (is)
there".  April takes charge, handing out costumes to everyone, then she begins the
proceedings.  Ken, who yesterday left a question for the Oracle by writing it on a piece of
paper and slipping it into Thoth the Owl's beak, is a famous general, and the rest of the
children are priests and attendants of the Oracle.  As the high priestess, April leads a
procession around the yard, then approaches the altar alone. 

April bows low
before the Oracle, and, after performing an elaborate ceremony, begins a chant...