"How much? " "Two Hundred Thousand naira". It was a response given without thought. Besides, two hundred thousand.
Should be chicken change, Atiaba thought. A thoughtful moment followed. Then the Chief asked, "Is that all?" "okay, I will get the money". The chief got up and took to the stairs.
Atiaba turned to Emeroua, "Do you hear a rattling", Atiaba asked. Emeroua shook his head looking surprised. Atiaba was sure he hadn't heard rattling.
He was ducking his head in different directions when the chief returned with a small carton in his hands. Atiaba got up graciously - ah the money, he thought.
The chief handed the carton to Atiaba and he took it. He looked inside and... Lo and behold, his lizard was in it - crushed in the head to death!