Summary
Highlights
A Chinese businessman named Quiroga is preparing for a dinner while worried about financial losses, hoping to use his connections to establish a consulate for his country.
The narrative shifts to the busy and vibrant fair in January, filled with students, friars, and soldiers. The crowd displays the social dynamics of the period as people interact and gather to watch the events.
Padre Camorra, accompanied by Ben Zayb and Padre Salvi, wanders the fair. They encounter wooden figurines that humorously resemble the friars and even Simoun, leading to lighthearted and mocking commentary.
The group prepares to visit Mr. Leeds' show, the 'Sphinx' or famous head. The atmosphere in the hall is somber and mystical, setting the stage for the mysterious exhibit that the friars suspect is a trick.