We eventually discovered, to our intense disgust, that we had been victimised by a ventriloquist. We had all believed in the marvellous child, with its capacity to disclose the unseen, to reveal secrets hidden from the human eye. But at the time none of us suspected ventriloquism, because we had up till then never heard of such a thing. Everybody believes in invisible spirits, good and evil. The room in which a person has died is thoroughly fumigated with incense for days, and since the soul of the departed is supposed to be fond of visiting the erstwhile sick-chamber, that place is studiously avoided, especially at night, when no one could be induced to go there at any price.
Superstition reigns supreme.
Illness, betrothal, pregnancy, and all sorts of reasons are given for summoning seers. In the event of her prediction turning out wrong, which happens quite frequently, the prophetess always musters a plausible excuse. The day was an unlucky one for her, she alleges, and no doubt she will do better next time.