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“Let’s get on with the game.”
    The game proceeded until the stakes had grown so high that each player had to put up an equal amount, and now it was time to make the bet. Makon peered cautiously in his box, guarding it so that the others could not see. He saw that he had four red stones, and any game could be won with only three. Greedily he shook the box and leered across the table. “Let’s bet.”
    The betting went on until Shalmanezer raised it so high that Makon was taken aback. “Why, you know I don’t have that kind of money!”
    â€œYou’d better drop out, then. Of course you’ll lose what you’ve put on the table.”
    â€œNo, I won’t do that. But you’ve got to give me a chance.”
    â€œWhy, of course. We’re friends, aren’t we? I’ll tell you what. You put up some security. I’ll be glad to take that if you lose.”
    Makon tried to think clearly, but his mind was cloudy. “I don’t have anything. I don’t own any land and I don’t even own the house I live in. You know that, Shalmanezer.”
    â€œWell …” Shalmanezer shrugged his shoulders and smiled. “You have a family.”
    â€œI have. What about it?”
    â€œYou could put them up for security.”
    â€œWhat are you talking about?”
    â€œWhy, people are worth a great deal for slaves, don’t you know.”
    â€œAre you crazy?” Makon shouted, his eyes inflamed. “I wouldn’t let my family become slaves.”
    â€œOf course you wouldn’t,” Joar said smoothly. “But you’re almost sure to win. I can see the way you peered into that box. If you do, you’re set for life. You’ll never have to work another day.”
    â€œThat’s right,” Magite said, nodding encouragement. “You’ve won all night. Why shouldn’t you win once more?”
    â€œI don’t think there’s really much risk. I don’t have much, to be truthful,” Shalmanezer said, peering into his box. “But it’s up to you.”
    A silence fell on the room, and the other three players saw greed struggle with honor in the old man’s face. None of them had the least doubt about the outcome.
    With a sudden gesture, Makon struck the table with his fist. “All right, then. Let’s play.”
    â€œRight enough.”
    The play went on, and when it came time to show what was in their boxes, Makon laughed with exultation. “See here, see this!” Makon was trembling with excitement. He had never been so sure about anything in his life. “Four red stones. It can’t be beat.”
    Shalmanezer’s thin lips drew into a cruel smile. “Ordinarily that’s true, my friend, but five red stones beat four red stones.” He upended his box, and the five red stones rolled out across the table.
    A dead silence filled the room. Makon stared at the five red stones, then let out an agonizing cry of grief and ran from the room.
    Shalmanezer laughed and was joined by the other two. “The fool! He’ll probably kill himself, and I’ll be out one slave.”
    â€œYou don’t need him. You have the girl. That’s all you wanted.”
    â€œTrue enough,” Shalmanezer said. He picked up one of the red stones and smiled fondly at it. “Men are fools,” he said. “That old man had nothing, and now he has even less.”

Chapter 4
    Rahab had brought home a good portion of a lamb that a butcher had let her have cheap. The family had filled their stomachs with the meat and a few vegetables, and had even enjoyed a bottle of cheap wine Rahab had managed to find. Now they were sitting around enjoying one another’s company.
    â€œSing another song, Rahab,” Oman pleaded.
    â€œOh, you’ve heard me sing enough.”
    Kadir put his arms down and pulled the boy up onto his lap. “How about if I sing a song?” He