Summary

In "Sleight-of-Hand (Magic I)," Abram describes his travels through the Himalayas as a young man. He began his journey through the country as a "sleight-of-hand magician" (201). Desperate to converse with a local jhankri, "or medicine person," Abram hired a translator named Temba Sherpa (201). Together, they traveled into the outskirts of the region.

Gaining contact with any of the local sorcerers had proved difficult. The villagers often feared them, and did not readily offer directions to their homes. The last two translators Abram hired, were also too afraid to travel with him. Temba was the most willing. First, they traveled to the jhankri's family's home. They stayed there for several days, waiting for them to disclose their son's location. While there, Abram observed an old man, who he assumed to be the jhankri's grandfather. He was silent, and no one paid attention to...