Summary

"Falling" continues the story of Dr. Phineas Stevens in 19th-century Siam. Phineas and Watson attend the Brahmin Festivities, where locals swing from the big swing. As he watches, Phineas remembers his athletic achievements. In college, he had set a running record on the old field.

A man falls from the swing. Phineas rushed to him to help. The man, Bunsahk, is comforted by his young child, Bunmahk. Phineas tries to cart the Bunsahk away, assuring Bunmahk that his father would be well treated. But, a witch doctor comes to take the fallen man instead. The witch doctor wants the man to perform an "apology ritual" as he had offended the local snake god in some way (96).

Winston pulls out a gun and tells Phineas that he can protect him and Bunsahk as they go to the mission hospital. Phineas dissuades him, letting...