Indeed, Tibulus took the last turn at what seemed a very recklessspeed, his chariot sliding around almost completely sideways, but the maneuvergained him even more ground and as they raced for the finish, the whites camein well ahead of the greens.
“I fear that you have lost your wager. Sabinus,” said Antony.“I told you that the whites would win. You see, it takes more than a good eyefor horses to judge who will be the winner. A good charioteer makes all thedifference.”
“It would seem so.” Steiger agreed. “I congratulate you. Butyou must give me an opportunity to win back my money. Would you care to wageron the next race?”
Antony laughed. “Marcian, your friend seems determined togive away his money! It seems your plan was sound. Perhaps I should demand afee for helping you conclude your business with him!”
“You have already won ten thousand sesterces,” Marshallsaid. “Let that be your fee. Antony.”
“Done!” laughed Antony.
“Shall we say another ten thousand on the second race?”asked Steiger.
“If you think you can afford it.” Antony replied dubiously
“Marcian will vouchsafe my credit.-
“Sabinus may be unscrupulous in business,” Marshall said. “butyou may take him at his word.”
“I never questioned it.” said Antony magnanimously. “Anotherten thousand it is.”
Steiger lost the second race. too. And the third, as well.Trebonius won the fourth. with both Steiger and Antony losing. but Antonyrecouped his loses to Trebonius on the fifth race, which Steiger also lost.
“I think perhaps we should cease to wager now.” Antony toldSteiger after the fifth race. “You already owe me fifty thousand sesterces andI have no wish to ruin you completely.”
“You cannot keep winning all the time,” said Steiger.
“I rarely lose, my friend.”
“Then you will not give me one more chance to make good mylosses?”
Antony shook his head. “I have already won more than enoughfrom you, Sabinus,” he said. “You would be wise to stop now.”
“One hundred thousand sesterces on the final race.” saidSteiger.
“By the gods” said Flaminus.
“Marcian. I fear your friend is being dangerously reckless.”said Antony.
Is it your concern for me that causes you to hesitate ordoes the prospect of losing so much make you nervous?” Steiger asked.
“Creon, perhaps you’d better reconsider,” Marshall said.
“One hundred thousand is my wager,” Steiger repeated firmly,looking straight at Antony. “Do you dare accept it? Or are you afraid to loseto a backward provincial?”
Antony stared at him. “Your friend Marcian will have to buyyour farm from me.” he said. “Because after this last race, I fear that I willown it.”
“Then you accept?”
“Choose your team.”
“I’ll take the blues. The black stallions second from thepost.” There were four factions-the whites, the reds. The blues, and thegreens, but for this race, the teams were paired, so that there were twocharioteers driving for each faction, a total of eight teams of four horseseach.
“The blues?” said Antony. He chuckled. “Alas, you have madea poor choice. Sabinus. Young Cassinus drives that team. He has the leastexperience of any of the charioteers! He has never before driven a quadrigae!”
“Nevertheless. I choose the blues,” repeated Steiger. “Iwatched him exercise the other day. He seems to have a natural ability with thequadrigae. And the blacks he’s driving are fine horses. I am confidentof my choice.”
“I will not quarrel with the quality of the team,” saidAntony. “But are you so confident of your choice that you will risk your utterruin?”