If a couple cannot agree, a separation can be arranged by applying to
the local head-man, who, after listening to their troubles, decides
which one is at fault, and whether or no the marriage gifts must be
returned. When a couple parts, plates, bowls, and jars are sometimes
broken as a sign that they will never live together again and the
spirits are thus called to witness. A divorced woman may remarry, but
unless the sum originally paid for her has been returned, the new groom
must pay such an amount to the first husband.

SICKNESS AND DEATH.

In case of illness a _mabalian_ administers some simple remedy without
any call on the spirits. If, however, the sickness does not yield
readily to this treatment, it is evident that the trouble is caused by
some spirit who can only be appeased by a gift, Betel nuts, leaves,
food, clothing, and some article in daily use by the patient are placed
in a dish of palm bark and on top of all is laid a roughly carved figure
of a man. This offering is passed over the body of the patient while the
_mabalian_ addresses the spirits as follows. "Now, you can have the man
on this dish, for we have changed him for the sick man. Pardon anything
this man may have done, and let him be well again." Immediately after
this the dish is carried away and hidden so that the sick person may
never see it again, for should he do so the illness would return.

According to Father GISBERT a doll is carved from a piece of wood and
the spirit is addressed: "O God, Thou who has created men and trees, and
all things, do not deprive us of life, and receive in exchange this bit
of wood which has our face."