The Snake Stone

83

The little boy slipped through the gates and went slowly up to his trench in the dirt.

A window flew open with a squeal. The little boy did not look up.

Marta put her head out. “Shpetin! Did you see where the efendi went?”

The little boy picked up his stick. He pushed the dented ball along the trench.

At the window, Marta gave an exasperated sigh and shrugged. She turned to the ambassador.

“No, lord. I don’t know. They went together, I think, but I don’t know.”

Palewski frowned. “I’m not easy about this, Marta. If Yashim went with the boy, he must have had a reason.”

“Yes, lord.” Marta nodded her head slowly.

And this, Palewski thought, is the second time the boy comes home alone.

“You talk to him, Marta. He thinks I’m some sort of ogre. See if he’ll show us where they went.”

Marta gave a doubtful shrug. “The boy-he’s a little strange, lord.”

“He’s a boy, isn’t he? Boys are all-well, like boys.” Palewski felt himself at a loss. “Just ask him for me. Please.”