"The object of the game is to get those balls at the top of the cube to the bottom level. The Martian will try to get the ones at the bottom to the top. The balls are governed by the control panels. It's like three dimension Chinese checkers."
"Sasush rhakol," a Martian said loudly.
"The game has started. Push the top green button."
Tharp thrust with a grimy finger.
The game lasted several minutes. Each time it was their turn to move, Farrell told Tharp what button to push. Even while the game progressed, the husky man watched Farrell out of the corners of his eyes. Farrell realized that even with the distraction of the game, he'd have no chance to launch a surprise attack on his enemy.
Finally the Martian gambler rose. His colorless lips spread in a wide grin of anticipation.
"We lost!" Tharp exclaimed.
Farrell agreed, "We lost. Anyway, all we lost was a little duchal."
The Martians gathered around the two Earthmen; attached electrodes from the alien machine to Tharp's head.