The Constant: A History of Getting Things Wrong

Caraboo Who?

Jun 17, 2025
A mysterious woman named Caribou arrives in Almondsbury, claiming to be a princess. Her odd behaviors and language intrigue locals, sparking curiosity and hospitality. As she becomes a sensation, hints about her origins and backstory emerge. However, doubts arise when skeptics challenge her identity. The startling twist: she is actually Mary Baker, who constructed an elaborate facade to escape her past. The story unfolds, revealing how she captivated England's elite before fading back into ordinary life.
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ANECDOTE

Mysterious Woman Enters Cobbler's Home

  • A stranger walked into a cobbler's cottage in Almondsbury and sat on their couch speaking an unknown tongue.
  • The couple escorted her to the overseer after she requested to sleep there and produced a mysterious bundle including a counterfeit halfpence.
INSIGHT

Mixed Cultural Clues Confuse Origin

  • Caribou's behavior and interests offered many mixed clues about origin: interest in Chinese characters, shouting "anana" at a pineapple image, and abstaining from meat and alcohol.
  • These signs could point to multiple places or religions, making her origin ambiguous rather than definitive.
ANECDOTE

Sailor Deciphers A Pidgin Story

  • A Portuguese sailor, Manuel Ineso, claimed to decode her pidgin language and recounted an elaborate story of a Javasu princess abducted by pirates.
  • He detailed names, ships, and incidents that amplified Caribou's perceived authenticity.
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