bserved.

"There are many others besides these," was the reply. "Pryak fears many
of Urim's friends and intends using the Games to eliminate them. A room
across the hall is filled with at least as many as you see here; and
many of those men loved Urim and hate the one who caused his death.

"Pryak hopes to accomplish a double purpose this time. He will gain
favor by offering the bloodiest Games ever held; also, he expects to
wipe out all who oppose him by sending the opposition itself into the
arena.

"I am told," Katon continued, "that many savage beasts are held ready to
be sent against us. More than ever, Pryak is determined the final victor
shall not be human. Were a man to prove the God's favorite, Sephar's
populace might turn to him so strongly as to weaken Pryak's position."

Tharn grinned. "At least we shall have our fill of fighting."

"More than my fill!" retorted his friend, dryly.

Tharn, glancing about the crowded room, uttered a startled ejaculation
and pointed toward a figure huddled near one of the walls.

"Who is that?" he asked. "Even with his face hidden in his hands, he
seems known to me."

Katon grunted. "And well he should! That, my friend, is Vulcar--once
captain of Urim's own guards!"

At Tharn's expression of shocked incredulity, he continued:

"He was brought here, yesterday, with nearly a score of warriors. In all
the hours since, he has not spoken--only sits with bowed head. He, once
so proud, is now humbled and beaten--crushed by the death of the man he
worshipped."

Tharn studied the dejected figure. Courage might dull under such a blow
as Vulcar had taken; yet it would still be courage. Experience told him
a brave man is brave until death takes him; a coward, while occasionally
rising above his weakness, remains a coward. And certainly Vulcar was
known to be a man of courage.

From the moment of Tharn's recapture a plan had been taking form in his
shrewd mind. He had never been one to accept resignedly what fate
appeared to offer. If these other prisoners were ready to die in the
arena, that was their affair; certainly he did not intend giving up so
easily. Men like themselves had put them in this hole; and what one man
could do, another could undo. The worst enemy of his fellows was their
patient acceptance of what Pryak had decreed for them. If that viewpoint
could only be reversed....

Taking Katon by the arm, he started across the room toward Vulcar.

"What are you--"