Cantilever Jones Swings Low, Part 1
society (“As the filth of their digestion,” speak the Ju-Bodda “so will the thoughts of others contaminate you.”), but
against this simple plea I had no heart, no words, no wisdom. I didn’t even say yes. I just nodded dumbly and
looked away.
She went back to the bed and sat down.
Pale-Face and Dark-Face began to chant:
Lord of the House, be a gentle friend to us
White and tawny beast, baring its fangs,
As they gleam like diamonds of death
Fall fast asleep!
We are love and kindness
We bear no taint of evil
Fall fast asleep!
The ones who rest and the ones who move,
Close their soft eyes with the light touch
Like the heavy doors of sleep
Fall fast asleep
Fast asleep.
I knew the incantation, or a version of it. The Bindu have a similar sleep spell. But it was always intended as self-
hypnosis among them; never have I seen it used to lull another. But it worked. Their voices had a strange kind of
music to them, and the girl’s eyes fluttered, and she drifted down to the bed and they covered her up.
They were controlling her. I could see it. They were using her for something. But I was in.
Pale-Face came back to me.
“Five thousand,” I said.
He nodded.
To Be Continued…UJ