Part 1 Chapter 4 Summary

Dr. Rivers continues to treat Moffett's hysterical paralysis by drawing circles around his legs. Each day the circles get lower and lower toward his feet. The theory is that each day more and more of the leg above the drawn circle will have feeling restored.

While thinking about the treatment for Moffett, Dr. Rivers remembers a time in his life when he spent time with a witch doctor. Dr. Rivers accompanies Njiru on his rounds and watches as he treats a local villager for constipation. The treatment includes massage of the lower abdomen and a great casting out of something Dr. Rivers can't see. Njiru explains that, in their culture, an octopus taking up residence in the villager's lower intestine causes the constipation. Njiru's "medicine" has cast it out. Not long after this treatment, the villager is relieved of her pain...