Julius Obi is sitting at his typewriter, observing his boss and the gatekeeper sleeping. The market, called Nkwo, has expanded into Eke, Oye, and Afo due to civilization and growth. The deity of the market appears as an old woman and draws people from distant places to sell their produce.
Forest people and riverain folk come to the market to trade their goods. Julius is not a native of Umuru and works as a clerk for a European trading company. He observes the bustling market from his office window and contemplates the number of people in the world.
Some people in the market are believed to be mammy-wota, beautiful beings from the depths of the river. The market is currently empty due to the presence of Kitikpa, the power of smallpox.
Umuru, once a small village, has grown into a bustling and crowded river port due to progress and trade. The influx of strangers and the behavior of the young sons and daughters of Umuru have led to neglect of old tasks and an emphasis on revelries.
Kitikpa, an evil deity, holds power over the people and restricts their movements and interactions. Julius, who is engaged to Janet, is unable to see her due to the restrictions imposed by Kitikpa.
Julius accidentally steps on an egg offered in sacrifice, which adds to his worries. Julius hides in a cocoyam farm to avoid the fleet-footed mask, a symbol of Kitikpa’s power.
The next morning, the Chief Clerk at the office discusses the provocation of Kitikpa by disobedient youngsters. Julius reflects on the terror of the previous night and feels a deep emptiness separating him from his mother and Janet, who are at risk of being decorated by Kitikpa.
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