A story of magic, Empire and deception in Raj India, our narrator tells of Suddhoo, a 'very, very old man' who lets out rooms in his house. All-accepting, Suddhoo gives a roof to grocers, prostitutes and other equally polar opposite professions, including a man who describes himself as a 'seal-cutter' but who actually seems to practice a career rather more mystical and intriguing...when Suddhoo's son falls ill, he calls on the man for help, but can the man and his dubious credentials be trusted fully?