Answer:
Hello!
I believe when Sereagent major morris mean when he says: “It had a spell put on it by an old fakir,” said the sergeant major, “a very holy man.” He wanted to show that fate ruled people’s lives, and that those who interfered with it did so to their sorrow. (the monkey's paw), He means that had gone to a old "priest" and put a spell on it to bring good luck and whoever had tried to intervene paid with their lives.
I hope it helps!
