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contest then?” asked Elatus.
Ah
, I thought.
Here it is. This is probably what they had planned all along.
It was well known that Odysseus struggled to refuse a contest or wager.
    â€œI’m listening,” said Odysseus.
    â€œMy royal father let me bring my own dog to your island, O’ noble Odysseus,” said Elatus. “I left him with your Master of Kennels. What I propose is this. We release a hare. The first dog to catch it is the winner.”
    â€œAnd what of the stakes?” asked Odysseus. He was leaning forward slightly but his face betrayed nothing. Only those who knew him really well could tell how interested he was.
    â€œI assume it would be foolish to suggest that the winner gets to keep the loser’s dog?” ventured Elatus. One look at Odysseus’ face told him to move on. “Ah … ah then, how about a horse’s weight in gold?”
    I heard someone gasp. It was a huge amount of money. Enough to keep five hundred soldiers armed and fed in the fieldfor months. Not many kings could afford to make such a bet. Even Odysseus, who was considered a wealthy and powerful king, would think twice about the amount. But Odysseus loved a wager. Not only that, but he would lose face by refusing or even haggling. Meges and Elatus had him and Odysseus knew it.
    â€œVery well,” agreed Odysseus. “We will have your little contest, tomorrow at dawn.”
    â€œMy husband … ” said Penelope.
    â€œI have made my decision,” said Odysseus stubbornly. And indeed, he had. Like his wife, once Odysseus had made up his mind, there was no changing it. Penelope had the last say on many matters in the palace but wagers were not among them. It was considered men’s business and the opinions of women were not welcome.
    â€œNow, if you excuse me,” said Odysseus, “I wish to retire for the night.” Without a backward glance, Odysseus departed. I trotted behind, sensing that he wanted to be alone but knowing that he would make an exception for me.
    In the adjacent anteroom, a voice stopped him. “My lord. A moment of your time.” It was Eumaeus.
    â€œWhat is it, Eumaeus? I am tired and in no mood for idle talk.”
    â€œThis is not idle,” said Eumaeus, lowering his voice so that the words came out in a whisper. “I came to offer counsel even though I can plainly see that you desire no such thing.”
    â€œSpeak then,” said Odysseus roughly. “The sooner you do, the sooner I can go to my bed.”
    â€œI believe Meges and Elatus seek to cheat you. They will usethe money to raise an army with which to take Ithaca.”
    â€œDon’t you think I know that?” said Odysseus tiredly. “But they can cheat as much as they like. Argos will win regardless.” My chest swelled with pride at these words, but I felt the insidious touch of doubt creep into my self-confidence. Odysseus was risking a great deal—possibly even his kingdom—on me. I was fast but I knew that Meges and Elatus must be planning something. Why else make such a huge bet? I didn’t want to let Odysseus down. I would rather die.
    â€œDo you have a plan, my lord?” asked Eumaeus.
    â€œI don’t need a plan,” said Odysseus. “I have Argos.”
    â€œBut my lord … ”
    â€œThat will be all, Eumaeus. I will see you outside at dawn.”
    Eumaeus wisely decided to say no more. If I’d had a voice, I would have said a thing or two though. But I couldn’t and I doubted whether Odysseus would have listened to me in any case. His confidence in me was flattering. I hoped it wasn’t misguided.

Chapter Seven
    T hat night, after Odysseus had gone to bed, I lay down in my accustomed place outside in the hall. I don’t think I slept or if I did, it was fitful, restless, and full of dreams where I failed my master.
    My ears twitched at a sound, almost silent footsteps coming along the darkened