n at the scene below.

A knot of enemy warriors was moving slowly toward the caves of Gerdak,
among them the still struggling figure of Trakor. Wavering flames of
resin-wood torches lighted up his features and Tharn saw there was only
rage in his expression and nothing of fear. Already shouts from the
group had aroused others of the tribe and a score of them were running
forward to meet it.

With quick, certain movements of his powerful hands Tharn unshipped his
bow and withdrew several arrows from his quiver. Steadying himself on
the swaying branch, he notched an arrow, drew back the stubborn wood,
steel muscles moving under his naked back, took careful aim....

"Twang!"

Like a plucked violin the bow sang his single note, polished wood
flickered in the light of torches and one of Trakor's captors threw wide
his arms and sank into a briefly twitching heap. Before his fellows
could grasp the significance of what was taking place three more of
their number were down, each with a thin-bodied arrow protruding from
his chest or back.

There was a general scrambling as those holding Trakor released him and
threw themselves headlong to escape the rain of death. The advancing
wave of warriors halted with breathtaking abruptness, those behind the
front rank crashing into it. Momentarily freed, Trakor looked wildly
about him, as confused as the others.

"Run!" shouted Tharn. "Into the jungle, Trakor!"

The youth heard--and obeyed. As he broke into a run, one of Gerdak's
fighting men, either more courageous than his companions or angered
beyond reason at losing their prize, scrambled to his feet and lifted
his spear for a cast at the flying figure.

Again Tharn's bow twanged and a tufted arrow appeared magically embedded
in the spearman's chest. Voicing a piercing shriek he toppled back,
spear rolling from his fingers.

Tharn was already among the lower branches of a tree when Trakor came
crashing into the jungle. As the boy plowed past, the cave lord reached
down with one arm and caught him under the arms, lifting him to the
branch beside him before the youngster was fully aware of what was
happening.

"Tharn!" It was a gasp of such utter relief that the giant Cro-Magnard
smiled.

"I thought I left you safe in a tree," he said.

"I meant to stay there, Tharn," Trakor admitted sheepishly, "but I heard
one of them shout to the others that you had been captured and was being
held in Gerdak's cave. I thought that bec