xcited. "He is human," Michaelson was babbling. "Look for yourself if
you don't believe me. See, he has all the characteristics of true man."

The scientist was acting as if he expected Craig to argue the point. The
big man didn't. "Of course he's human," he said. "What's so strange
about that?"

"You do not understand," Michaelson explained. "He is the dawn man. He
belongs to the first race of true humans ever to appear on earth. We
have found a dawn man. That is of great scientific importance. See!" The
scientist pointed to the club. "He has begun to use tools but he has not
yet learned to chip flint. He is pre-stone age, definitely pre-stone
age, but he is also definitely human, with the capacity to learn, as is
shown by his use of the club. He has already made one of the first great
inventions, a club. He has not yet made the second invention, fire, or
the third great discovery, how to shape stone. I cannot begin to tell
you how important this is."

The scientist was beside himself with excitement. Craig grinned. Science
had its thrills as well as adventure. Michaelson was apparently
experiencing one of science's great thrills--discovery.

The scientist promptly began to try to communicate with the man. But
first he had to win the man's confidence. This he did by talking softly
and gently. The man sat up to stare in dazed wonder at the scientist.
Back in the shallow cave the woman crouched without moving. Craig saw
what she was protecting, a child. This was a family they had saved from
the dragon. From fearful eyes the woman watched her lord and master talk
to the strangers.

* * * * *

"His name is Guru," Michaelson said, indicating the dawn man. "I am able
to understand a little of what he says. His language is as yet
undifferentiated into complex grammatical forms, hence I can follow his
meaning without too much difficulty. He says he has lived here all his
life and that many more of his people live near here. He says they live
in families. Do you know what that means?" the scientist excitedly
challenged Craig.

Craig, unable to get Michaelson to leave the dawn man, had left two men
to guard the scientist and had taken the others on a wide scouting trip.
He had just returned.

"No, I don't know what that means," he answered.

"It means that Guru and his people have not yet reached the tribal stage
in their existence!" the scientist triumphantly pronounced. "They are
still