“Does that mean you know what it is?” asked Fatima, sitting up straighter. “Is there a name for what Hassan does?” “Oh, undoubtedly. It’s a miracle.” “Don’t make fun of me,” protested Hassan. “Who’s making fun of you? I’m as serious as I ever get.” “But Hassan isn’t a holy man,” said Fatima. The image of Hassan as a wandering ascetic, with a long beard and a short robe and a pious scowl, was so comical that she almost laughed. “Neither are most miracle workers,” said Vikram. “Most are ordinary men and women with all the usual flaws and hypocrisies. People would rather call them witches and
...more
