Author: Siti Nor Akmar Abdullah

1Ten-foot Chain

By Achmed Abdullah, Max Brand, E. K. Means and Perley Poore Sheehan

True love can survive anything. Or can it? Four popular authors were lunching with an editor and the question came up: "What mental and emotional reaction would a man and a woman undergo, linked together by a ten-foot chain, for three days and nights?" The 4 very popular authors each had strong but divergent opinions of what would happen to such a couple chained together for 3 days and nights. The result was these fascinating stories. Does true love scoff at the small difficulty of constant proximity? Does being 'too close' become an acid that eats away even the bonds of love? What do YOU think would happen if you were to write such a story? Read and find out what these popular and creative authors think. (Summary by Phil Chenevert)

A group of down-and-outers decide on the ultimate gamble: they will bankroll one of themselves, chosen by lot, to live well for a year. Then the one chosen must commit suicide after that year, so that the others can cash in on his life insurance policy. Complications arise when the "lucky winner" finds an unexpected turn in his fortunes. How can he get out of it with his honor intact, or will he "welch" on the deal? <br><br> "Bucking the tiger" refers to the game of Faro, one of the most popular card games played in saloons and gambling halls in the 1800s. The name is thought to have come from early card backs that featured a drawing of a Bengal tiger. (Summary by TriciaG)