From the novel; The gods are not to blame
Baba Fakunle: How much did he give you boy?
Boy: Ten cowries, Baba.
Baba Fakunle: Hand him back nine.
The order to return nine cowries was given by Baba Fakunle because he
- wanted to spit the King by taking only one cowrie
- felt insulted that he was given only ten cowries
- did not want to meddle with leprous monry given with bloody hands
-
wanted to emphasize that the messanger of Olodumare takes only one cowrie.
