the magnificent prow of a nose that terminated in flaring
nostrils and was used as sturdy support for a pair of handmade
sunglasses. They appeared to be carved completely of bone and fit
tightly to the face, their flat, solid fronts were cut with thin
transverse slashes. This eye protection, the things could only have
been for weak eyes, and the network of wrinkles indicated the man was
quite old and would present no danger to Jason.

"I want something," Jason said, in straightforward, Ch'akaish manner.

"A new voice and a new Ch'aka--I bid you welcome. The old one was a
dog and I hope he died in great pain when you killed him. Now sit
friend Ch'aka and drink with me." He carefully opened the basket and
removed a stone crock and two crockery mugs.

"Where you get poison drink?" Jason asked, remembering his local
manners. This _D'zertano_ was a smart one and had been able to tell
instantly from Jason's voice that there had been a change in slaves.
"And what your name?"

"Edipon," the ancient said as, uninsulted, he put the drinking
apparatus back into the basket. "What is it that you want--within
reason that is? We always need slaves and we are always willing to
trade."

"I want slave you got. I trade you two for one."

The seated man smiled coldly from behind the shelter of his nose. "It
is not necessary to talk as ungrammatically as the coastal barbarians,
since I can tell by your accent that you are a man of education. What
slave is it that you want?"

"The one that you just received from Fasimba. He belongs to me." Jason
abandoned his linguistic ruse and put himself even more on guard,
taking a quick look around at the empty sands. This dried up old bird
was a lot brighter than he looked and he would have to stay on guard.

"Is that all you want?" Edipon asked.

"All I can think of at this moment. You produce this slave and perhaps
we can talk more business."

"I have an even better idea than that."

Edipon's laugh had very dirty overtones and Jason sprang back when the
oldster put two fingers into his mouth and whistled shrilly between
them. There was the rustle of shifting sand and Jason wheeled to see
men apparently climbing out of the empty desert, pushing back wooden
covers over which the sand had been smoothed. There were six of them,
with shields and clubs, and Jason cursed his stupidity at meeting
Edipon on a spot of the other's choosing. He swung his club behind him
but the oldster was already