*

The following morning, in obedience to the advice given him by Tonda,
Musa took his way toward the Temple of the Sea. As he threaded through
the crowds already gathering in the streets, he took note of the types
of merchandise displayed in the booths, and hawked by the street
peddlers. Suddenly, one of these roving sellers approached him. In his
hands he held a number of ornaments.

"Good day to you, oh Traveler," he cried. "Surely, it is a fortunate
morning for both of us." With a deft gesture, he threw one of the
trinkets, a cunningly contrived amulet, about Musa's neck.

Musa would have brushed the man aside, but the chain of the amulet had
tangled about his neck and he was forced to pause while removing it.

"I told myself when I saw you," the man continued, "ah, Banasel, here is
one who should be favored by the gods. Now, how can such a one venture
upon the Eastern Sea without a sacred amulet?"

Musa had slipped the chain over his head. He paused, holding the
ornament in his hand. "How, then, are you to know where I am going?"

"Oh, Illustrious Traveler," exclaimed the man, "how can I fail to know
these things when it is given to me to vend these amulets of great
fortune?"

In spite of himself, Musa was curious. He looked at the amulet. There
was no question as to the superb workmanship, and his trading instincts
took over.

"Why, this is a fair piece of work," he said. "Possibly I could spare a
caldor or so."

The man before him struck his forehead.

"A caldor, he says! Why, the gold alone is worth ten."

Musa looked more closely at the ornament. The man was probably not
exaggerating too much. Actually, he knew he could get an easy
twenty-five balata for the bauble in Karth. A rapid calculation told him
that here was a possible profit from the skies.

"Why, possibly it is worth five, at that," he said. "Look, I'll be
generous. Shall we say six?"

"Oh, prince of givers! Thou paragon of generosity! After all, I, too,
must live." The man smiled wryly. "However, you are a fine, upstanding
young man, and one must make allowance. I had thought to ask twenty, but
we'll make it ten. Just the price of the gold."

Musa smiled inwardly. The profit was secured, but maybe--

"Let's make it eight, and I'll give you my blessing with the money."

The man held out his hand. "Nine."

Musa shrugged. "Very well, most expert of vendors." He reached into his
purse.

* * * * *