He knew his master spoke to a child from certain expressions and words his master used.

His master spoke in Malay a little, but mostly in English, which he, Ali, could understand.
Master spoke to the child at times tenderly, then he would weep over it, laugh at it, scold it, beg of it to go away; curse it.

It was a bad and stubborn spirit.

Ali thought his master had imprudently called it up, and now could not get rid of it.

His master was very brave; he was not afraid to curse this spirit in the very Presence; and once he fought with it.