Page:Malay Sketches.pdf/175

 people: such as Hantu Songkei, Hantu Malayu and Hantu Blîan; the last the "Tiger Devil," but out of politeness he is called "Blîan," to save his feelings.

Then there is Kěmâla ajâib, the "Wonderful Jewel," Israng, Raja Ngah's special familiar, and a host of others. Most hantu have their own special Pâwangs, and several of these were carrying on similar proceedings in adjoining buildings, in order that the sick monarch might reap all the benefits to be derived from a consultation of experts, and, as one spirit after another notified his advent by the upstarting flame of the taper, it was impossible not to feel that one was getting into the very best society.

Meanwhile a sixteen-sided stand, about six inches high and shaped like this diagram, had been placed on the floor near the Pâwang's mat. The stand was decorated with yellow cloth; in its centre stood an enormous candle, while round it were gaily decorated rice and toothsome delicacies specially prized by Jin. There was just room to sit on this stand, which is called Pětrâna panchalôgam (meaning a seat of this