Summary

In Chapter 13, Commissioner Sivapan talks with Father Cham, trying to make him see the necessity of buying orbs. Not only is fire prohibited by the Governor's law, the profits from the sale of orbs provides services such as police and hospitals, “and for officials who could ensure the laws of the province are being obeyed” (58). Father Cham says the people of Tanaburi take care of each other without official oversight. After Commissioner Sivapan's visit, Father Cham summons Pong, providing another string to replace a worn one. Each of the blessings Father Cham issued Pong over the years has come true, but each is relatively small, such as “May you never spill hot tea on your friends” (59) Pong has heard others with similar stories. Father Cham and Pong talk about the blessings and how Father Cham chooses. Pong points out that all the blessings...