When the Angels Left the Old Country

Over the two weeks of the voyage, Uriel spends a great deal of time alone, learning new magic from the rebbe in its dreams. When it traces the letters of its name, it can summon heat and light. Meanwhile, Little Ash spends time with Rose and Grandmother Rivke, teaching Rose to sew. When they arrive at the Ellis Island immigrant center, they are all anxious. Rose practices English phrases, and Little Ash senses many demons around them. He worries over the fact that Uriel is becoming more human each day; the demon wonders whether the angel really wants to undergo this transformation.

When Uriel and Little Ash are called up by an official, Little Ash answers all the questions. They let Uriel through but hold Little Ash back for a medical examination. Little Ash gives Uriel some money and promises to meet up soon. Little Ash waits for his doctor in an examination room and is horrified to realize that his doctor is really a Christian demon. The doctor shows extreme prejudice toward Little Ash and initially tries to devour Little Ash’s soul. However, the demon decides that Little Ash does not have enough magic, so he lets him go, marking him for a return voyage to Europe.