23 And, shameful as I am to say," the man wept,
"I listened to their pleas and to save my estate, sold them into
bondage." The man covered his face and backed off.
24 The First Speaker called the accused man over. "Sir," he announced,
"I hear bad things said of: you. What do YOU answer?" He was
surprised to see that the man wore his hood up, and a veil over
his face. "I can only say, Lord, that I have done nothing shameful. I
made a fair proposal to these women. Though they were young, I felt
them mature enough to decide. There was no threat in my
proposal, no dishonor. I offered them a fair bargain."
25 "But how could you offer such a bargain?" inquired Red Cat. "What
could bring such an idea into your mind?"
26 "Well," answered the man, "while I was waiting for their father one
day, I overheard the older one telling the younger that she would go to
a house of pleasure and sell herself if she could get enough money too
to save their house, and their 'father's business. And I thought that
if they would be willing to do that, maybe they would be willing to
accept my proposal and become my mates.
27 Once, I was a handsome man, like you, and had a beautiful mate. She
said she loved me, and no matter what happened, she would never leave
me.
28 Then, I went to the fighting, and when I came back I was not the
same. She tried to stay with me for awhile, but her love was not as
deep as she claimed. Finally, she asked for her freedom.
29 I have tried to court other women, and they refused me. Even whores
have refused me. A desperate man, Lord , will do desperate things!"
30 Red Cat motioned the man to come closer.