“Perhaps you are right,” assented the other, “let us toss up for it.”
“All right,” replied Than Khan, “I don’t mind.”
One of them then produced some white pebbles about the size of beans among which there were a few black ones. With a certain amount of dexterity he flung them upon a wooden board which seemed made for the purpose. Liem King counted the throw to see how many black ones were lying together.
It was Than Khan’s turn next.
“I have won,” he exclaimed. “You see I have seven black together. You had but five.”
“Very good,” said Liem King. “I shall go.”
“But mind,” said the other, “not a word about Dalima!”
“You trust me,” was the answer.
A strange scornful smile passed over Ardjan’s features.
Than Khan sat down cross-legged in the doorway of the hut, placing himself in such a manner that while he had a clear view of the bay before him, he could at the same time watch every movement Ardjan might attempt to make.