r, the cave-man bathed in the waters of a small
stream. He then knelt on the bank, and using the water as a mirror, cut
the sprouting beard from his face by means of a small, very sharp bit of
flint taken from a pouch of his loin-cloth. Comfort, rather than vanity,
was responsible; a bearded face increased the discomfort of a tropical
day.

The sun was low in the west by the time he had returned to his former
vantage point, and shortly afterward the heavy wooden gates were pulled
shut by their guards, who then withdrew into the city.

Now, the grounds about Sephar were deserted, and soon the sun slipped
behind the far horizon. Swiftly twilight gave way to darkness, and stars
began to glow softly against the bosom of a clear semi-tropical night.

Two hours--three--went by and still Tharn did not leave his station.
Somewhere below him an unidentified animal crashed noisily through the
thick undergrowth and moved deeper into the black shadows. Far back in
the forest a panther screamed shrilly once and was still; to be answered
promptly by the thunderous challenge of Sadu, the lion.

Finally the giant white man rose to his feet on the swaying branch and
leisurely stretched. Silently and swiftly he slipped to the ground. He
paused there for a moment, ears and nose alert for an indication of
danger, then set out across the level field toward the towering wall of
Sephar--enigmatic city of mystery and peril.

* * * * *

After Vulcar had led the captive cave-girl from the dining room, a
general discussion sprang up. Any reference to the cave people, however,
was carefully avoided; the subject, for some reason that nobody quite
understood, seemed suddenly taboo.

While the others were rapidly drinking themselves into a drunken stupor,
Jotan sat as one apart, head bowed in thought. He found it impossible to
dismiss the impression given him by the half-naked girl of the caves.
She was so different from the usual girl with whom he came in
contact--more vital, more alive. There was nothing fragile or clinging
about her. He could not help but compare that fine, healthy,
well-rounded figure with the pallid, artificial women of his
acquaintance. Her clean sparkling eyes, clear tanned skin and graceful
posture made those others seem dull and uninviting.

"Jotan!"

The visitor came back to his surroundings with a start.

Urim, his round face flushed from much wine, had called his name.

"Come, m