en below for having permitted his escape; in turn to be
jeered at as cowards for not searching Lukor's premises more carefully.

It was a puzzled crowd of disgruntled warriors that finally gave up the
hunt. Some of the more superstitious were inclined to believe it was no
human they sought--an evil spirit, perhaps, that had faded back into
nothingness.

While a block away, Tharn, having fled from one roof to another, dropped
easily to earth and set out for the huge white palace he had glimpsed
from the house-tops.

* * * * *

The Princess Alurna was finding it impossible to sleep. For hours she
had lain wide-eyed, tossing fitfully, seeking the rest that would not
come. Before her mind's eye persisted the image of Jotan as she had
first seen him; in her ears were the sound of his voice and the echo of
his laugh.

Why must her thoughts stay with this handsome visitor? Had her imperious
heart given way at last?

She tried to thrust out the idea, to submerge it beneath a wave of
derision; but to no avail. The image prevailed, calling attention to a
splendid body and compelling features.

Finally she rose and went to the low wide window. Kneeling there she
rested her arms on the broad sill, looking out over the sleeping streets
and buildings, silent and brooding beneath the moon's splendor. Far out
beyond the walls surrounding Sephar she could see the dark primeval
forest, and she shivered a little although the night was warm. Faintly
to her ears, across the stillness came the distant challenge of a lion.
Again she shuddered, and brought her gaze back to Sephar's streets. The
minutes passed slowly....

Suddenly she half rose in surprise as the almost naked figure of a man
bounded from the shadows of a building across from the palace, and,
entering the grounds, passed from sight somewhere below.

What did it mean? Was a resident of Sephar entering the palace for some
mysterious reason of his own? Hardly. None would be so rash. Then, too,
the figure had not been clad in the short tunic, usual dress of all
Sepharians.

No; that shadowy figure meant danger. Jumping to her feet she ran to the
door and flung it open. At her appearance the two warriors in the
corridor sprang hastily forward.

"Get Vulcar at once," she cried. "Someone is trying to get into the
palace!"

* * * * *

The moon's liquid rays did not reach the palace wall where Tharn was
stand