Tricks and Tacks
Charoen I heard the black cat meowing from the corner of the gutter to my left. And the bandicoot nibbling at rotten flesh and licking blood. All this was some time before I sat where I am now. The Ash Man continues with his meditation. His head moves to the right. He looks at me, gesturing me to sit up straight and focus into his eyes. I do as instructed. “By the edge of the cremation ground you will find a dog.” His eyes are still closed as he talks. “It has been recently killed in a road accident. Cut open its stomach. Dip your handkerchief into its blood. Then let me know.” “Yes, my Lord.” The black dog is under a debdaru tree. It had died about twenty minutes before. With a sharp piece of stone, I cut open its stomach, and instantly, fresh blo
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