The slave was at his master’s command and, like a child in his father’s house, to some extent a chattel. He could be pledged for debt, as could a wife or child. He was subject to the levy,(65) and his lot was so far unpleasant that we hear much of runaway slaves. It was penal to harbor a slave, or to keep one caught as a fugitive.(66) Any injury done to him was paid for, and his master received the damages.(67) But he was free to marry a free woman and the children were free. So a slave-girl was free on her master’s death, if she had borne him children; and the children were also free. He was subject to mutilation for assaulting a free man, or repudiating his master.(68) But his master had to pay for his cure, if sick.(69) He was not free to contract, except by deed and bond.(70) Yet he and his free wife could acquire property, half of which would fall to his wife and children on his death. (M221) The Code reveals the existence of a class of men, who were indeed known from the letters of Ḥammurabi and the contemporary contracts, but whose functions are not easy to fix. They were the _rîd ṣâbî_ and the _bâ´iru_. By their etymology these titles seemed to mean “slave-driver,” and “catcher.” But the Code sets them in a clearer light. They were closely connected, if not identical, officials. They had charge of the levy, the local quota for the army, or for public works. Hence “levy-master” and “warrant-officer” are suggestive renderings. For the former official, “taskmaster,” the one over the gang of forced laborers and reminiscent of the old time press-gang officers, is a fair translation. “Field cornet” would perhaps suit the military side. For some aspects of their office the ancient “reeve” may be compared. Whether the “catcher” actually was a local policeman, whose chief duty was to apprehend criminals and reluctant conscripts, is not yet clear. The same name is used of “fishermen,” who were “catchers” in another sense, and of hunters. A really satisfactory rendering is impossible, as we have now no officials whose duties actually correspond to theirs.