gain. But that was
not probable, he realized.

For a moment fear lay heavy on him. Then the scientist came uppermost.
What an opportunity he had. A man of science among these children. The
chance to build a civilization. It could be done with his knowledge.
But first he had to get the power over these people.

Sala came back just then with what looked like the leg of a rabbit. It
was very underdone but Allerdyce didn't quibble. If he were going to
live as they did then he might as well start right there.

* * * * *

Three days went by and nothing changed. He learned all about his mate.
She had been one of Ugg's tribe. Now she was part of the tribe of
Gomar. It was that simple. She was a tigress when she thought another
woman was even looking at her mate and fought with the savagery of a
beast for him. And he had been granted his freedom with his
acquisition of a mate. He learned to hunt as the others did, with
spear and club. But already he had fashioned his first bow and arrow,
and knew it would be a matter of time before he was taught the rest.
There was but one fly in the ointment, Ed Finster. As yet he had no
mate. And he looked with avaricious eyes on Sala.

It was on the fourth day.

Allerdyce had returned from the hunt. He had killed an animal with his
arrow and the tribe looked on him with respect. As he neared his cave
he heard shrieks of pain and anger. And as he watched with amazement,
Ed Finster appeared, dragging Sala by her hair. His action was
instinctive. Rushing forward, he threw his bow to one side and knocked
Ed to the ground.

Immediately a circle of warriors were drawn about the two men and
Gomar stepped forward.

"It is time," he said. "I have wondered about this. A combat of arms
will settle it. Whoever wins will have the woman ... and his freedom."

As they stood facing each other, Finster turned aside as though to say
something to Gomar. Allerdyce relaxed naturally. But Finster had done
it with that view in mind. Like a flash he whirled on Allerdyce and
grabbed a headlock. It would have ended right then had not both men
been barefoot. For Allerdyce had not stiffened his neck muscles. But
Finster stepped on a thorn and the shock made him loosen his grip for
an instant. It was enough for Allerdyce to break free.

There were no more surprises.

Bit by bit Allerdyce wore the other down. At last he straddled
Finster, who lay face down on the ground. Then A