So, what are you waiting for? Hurry back and bring everyone!

The once orderly line of villagers immediately dispersed as people rushed to fetch more family members. Each household sent someone running back to call for the rest. The scene was truly spectacular.

Having been the first to register, Billy also wanted to leave. The queue was organized by house number, and he was the first in line, with his wife and eldest son right behind him. Rather than letting them go home and risk losing their place in line—he doubted the others would let them cut back to the front—it made more sense for him, who had already registered,...