"These are termite mushrooms. My brother brought them back from Zanthos." The young woman proactively called out to her. "They're delicious in soups, stews, or stir-fries. Would you like some, miss?"
"How much are they?"
"Eighty cents a pound. They're dried, so they're light. An ounce or so will be enough to last your family a while." The young woman was eager to make a sale and explained in detail, "My brother brought these from the village in Zanthos where he was sent to work. I heard the villagers there can't even bear to eat them themselves. If my mom weren't sick and in need of money, I wouldn't be selling them."
Cecilia Adler had just heard the manager mention termite mushrooms—he was buying them for two dollars a pound.
'This sack must weigh at least thirty or forty pounds, right?'
'If I buy the whole lot and resell it, I could make several dozen dollars.'
A thrill went through her. "How much if I take it all?"
