nerosity on behalf of Tara of Helium and live in hope
that some day I may do for you something in return."

"Now you must be gone," advised A-Kor. "At any minute a guard may come
and discover you here. Go directly to the Avenue of Gates, which
circles the city just within the outer wall. There you will find many
places devoted to the lodging of strangers. You will know them by the
thoat's head carved above the doors. Say that you are here from Manataj
to witness the games. Take the name of U-Kal--it will arouse no
suspicion, nor will you if you can avoid conversation. Early in the
morning seek the keeper of The Towers of Jetan. May the strength and
fortune of all your ancestors be with you!"

Bidding good-bye to Ghek and A-Kor, the panthan, following directions
given him by A-Kor, set out to find his way to the Avenue of Gates, nor
had he any great difficulty. On the way he met several warriors, but
beyond a nod they gave him no heed. With ease he found a lodging place
where there were many strangers from other cities of Manator. As he had
had no sleep since the previous night he threw himself among the silks
and furs of his couch to gain the rest which he must have, was he to
give the best possible account of himself in the service of Tara of
Helium the following day.

It was already morning when he awoke, and rising he paid for his
lodgings, sought a place to eat, and a short time later was on his way
toward The Towers of Jetan, which he had no difficulty in finding owing
to the great crowds that were winding along the avenues toward the
games. The new keeper of The Towers who had succeeded E-Med was too
busy to scrutinize entries closely, for in addition to the many
volunteer players there were scores of slaves and prisoners being
forced into the games by their owners or the government. The name of
each must be recorded as well as the position he was to play and the
game or games in which he was to be entered, and then there were the
substitutes for each that was entered in more than a single game--one
for each additional game that an individual was entered for, that no
succeeding game might be delayed by the death or disablement of a
player.

"Your name?" asked a clerk as Turan presented himself.

"U-Kal," replied the panthan.

"Your city?"

"Manataj."

The keeper, who was standing beside the clerk, looked at Turan. "You
have come a great way to play at jetan," he said. "It is seldom that
the men of Manat