CHAPTER I
The Game on the Terrace
“It did,” said Kwasa.
“It didn’t,” said Wiki.
“But I say there were three reds up,” insisted Kwasa.
“And I say one of the dice came up white,” argued Wiki.
“Well,” returned Kwasa good-humoredly, “we will not quarrel about a game. I will throw again.”
Catching up the three small sticks of cane, painted red on the hollowed inner side and white on the upper part, Kwasa tossed them deftly into the air. They came down all together, landing on the stone pavement with the white sides up.
Kwasa gave a cluck of triumph.
“Three whites; better yet.” Reaching across the stone slab covered with a pattern of circles and lines which served as a game board, he carefully moved a white pebble from the mark where it stood to one two spaces nearer the center of the slab.
Wiki seized the dice eagerly. “Well done! Now it is my turn.”