XVI MAGIC, SPELLS, AND CHARMS 119 



a wound ; let him die by the hand of his enemy, to- 

 morrow ; let him be drowned, to-morrow ; let him 

 die of a deadly disease ; let him be caught by a 

 crocodile ; let him die of pain in the head ; let him 

 die of pain in the chest.") It will be observed that 

 the formula calls upon the hawks to give effect to 

 the malevolent wishes, so that the operation is not 

 one of direct magical or sympathetic action, but 

 rather is one by which the aid of a higher power is 

 invoked. This feature of the process renders it 

 one which the strongest minded cannot pooh-pooh. 



With this comprehensive curse the rite is con- 

 cluded and the vengeful man returns home and 

 secretly observes his enemy. The latter may be- 

 come aware that magic is being worked against him 

 through dreaming that fat is put into his mouth ; 

 and as he is probably more or less aware of the 

 hatred of his enemy, it is not unlikely that such a 

 dream will come to him.^ There can be no doubt 

 that, if in this or any other way a man learns that 

 he has been made the object of a magical attempt 

 of this sort, he, in many cases, suffers in health ; and 

 it is probable that in some cases such knowledge 

 has proved fatal. If it is discovered that any man 

 has attempted to injure another in this way, he falls 

 into general reprobation, and, if the case can be 

 proved against him, heavy damages in the form of 

 pigs, gongs, etc., may be awarded by the house- 

 chief. 



^ The people are naturally reticent about this rite. The facts were brought 

 to our knowledge by a case which is instructive in several ways. A Sebop had 

 murdered a Chinese trader and taken his head. He was ordered to surrender 

 himself for trial at the fort within the space of one month, and informed that 

 he would be taken alive or dead if he failed to present himself. He refused 

 and took to the jungle. Upon which one of the up-country chiefs (Tama Bulan) 

 was commissioned to arrest him. The murderer was found in the jungle and 

 called on to surrender, but refused, and died fighting. At this his brother was 

 enraged against the chief and made the tegulun against him ; and being at a 

 distance from his victim, the man was at no pains to keep the matter secret, 

 and it came to the ears of the chief He, although the most enlightened native 

 in the country, felt uneasy under this terrific malediction and complained 

 to the Resident, who insisted on a public taking back or taking off of the 

 curse. 



VOL. n I 



