Katon began, then subsided as the cave-man frowned and
shook his head in warning.

* * * * *

When within a few paces of the former captain, Tharn stopped and turned
his back, and Katon's, to the unheeding Vulcar.

"I tell you, it seems hard to believe," Tharn began, his voice raised
somewhat above its usual pitch, "that none of Urim's friends has courage
enough to avenge his death. Why, had I served under him, I--"

"Who says none hopes to avenge Urim?" The quiet words came from behind
them.

Turning, they found Vulcar, head lifted and shoulders squared, regarding
them fixedly.

The Cro-Magnard simulated surprise to hide his sudden elation. "If I am
wrong--" He stopped there, waiting.

"What chance have we to avenge him?" Vulcar demanded, his hawk-like face
drawn into lines of helpless fury. "Here we are--thrown into a hole,
sentenced to die for the satisfaction of a false God--and to save Pryak
from sleepless nights!"

Tharn appeared sympathetic. "Given a chance, however slight, would you
take it?"

"Take it?" echoed Vulcar. "Of course! But there is no--"

"Are there others who feel as you?"

"I know of eighteen--those who went with me to search for Urim's
daughter. When we returned to Sephar, Pryak's men overpowered us and
brought us here. I am almost glad, now, that we did not find Alurna."

"Alurna is in Sephar," Tharn informed him. "I brought her back."

"You?" Vulcar came to his feet in surprise. "How did you get her?"

Briefly, the cave-man told of what had taken place. When he was done,
Vulcar stepped forward and placed both hands on Tharn's shoulders.

"My life is yours for what you have done," he said simply. "No matter
what happens to her as Pryak's captive, it cannot be so horrible as
death in the jungle."

For a moment the three men were silent. Then Tharn said: "Let us sit
here where we shall not be overheard.... Katon, what can you tell me of
the Games?"

"What do you want to know about them?"

"Everything," Tharn said promptly. "How far are the pits from the arena
itself? How many of us are sent into the arena at one time? How, and
when, are we given weapons?"

Katon was eyeing him strangely. "Why do you want to know those things?"

"I will explain that after you have answered my questions."

* * * * *

The conversation that followed was carried on in low voices. Katon did
most of the talking; from time to time Vul