now, and if any doubt it let them go thither
and there they will find it and know the cowardice of their jeddak."

"But what of this impostor?" demanded one. "Shall he stand with
impunity upon the throne of Manator whilst we squabble about our ruler?"

"It is through his bravery that you have learned the cowardice of
O-Tar," replied I-Gos, "and through him you will be given a greater
jeddak."

"We will choose our own jeddak. Seize and slay the slave!" There were
cries of approval from all parts of the room. Gahan was listening
intently, as though for some hoped-for sound. He saw the warriors
approaching the dais, where he now stood with drawn sword and with one
arm about Tara of Helium. He wondered if his plans had miscarried after
all. If they had it would mean death for him, and he knew that Tara
would take her life if he fell. Had he, then, served her so futilely
after all his efforts?

Several warriors were urging the necessity for sending at once to the
chamber of O-Mai to search for the dagger that would prove, if found,
the cowardice of O-Tar. At last three consented to go. "You need not
fear," I-Gos assured them. "There is naught there to harm you. I have
been there often of late and Turan the slave has slept there for these
many nights. The screams and moans that frightened you and O-Tar were
voiced by Turan to drive you away from his hiding place." Shamefacedly
the three left the apartment to search for O-Tar's dagger.

And now the others turned their attention once more to Gahan. They
approached the throne with bared swords, but they came slowly for they
had seen this slave upon the Field of Jetan and they knew the prowess
of his arm. They had reached the foot of the steps when from far above
there sounded a deep boom, and another, and another, and Turan smiled
and breathed a sigh of relief. Perhaps, after all, it had not come too
late. The warriors stopped and listened as did the others in the
chamber. Now there broke upon their ears a loud rattle of musketry and
it all came from above as though men were fighting upon the roofs of
the palace.

"What is it?" they demanded, one of the other.

"A great storm has broken over Manator," said one.

"Mind not the storm until you have slain the creature who dares stand
upon the throne of your jeddak," demanded O-Tar. "Seize him!"

Even as he ceased speaking the arras behind the throne parted and a
warrior stepped forth upon the dais. An exclamation of surpr