ps it would be better for us," he observed lightly, "if we had a
little of Dylara's knowledge of the jungle creatures and their ways.
Perhaps then we would be spared such terror at the sound of Sadu's
roar."

He made the statement while looking full into Tamar's eyes, and was
rewarded by seeing a tinge of red creep into his friend's freshly
scraped cheeks. And because no man likes to be called a coward, no
matter how indirectly, Tamar sought to hit back ... in the one way that
would cut Jotan the deepest.

"It is unfortunate," he said mildly, "that we could not have brought
along with us the wild man who came to Sephar seeking Dylara. I'll wager
he would not turn a hair were Sadu to charge among us at this moment."

As though in direct challenge to the statement, Sadu, in the darkness
beyond the camp, again lifted his voice in the hunting roar of the king
of beasts.

This time the hot blood of anger welled into Jotan's face and a biting
retort formed on his lips. But a glimpse of Dylara's suddenly stricken
expression checked them there, unuttered.

In the brief silence that followed Tamar's words, Dylara was aware that
the others were watching her as though to learn if Tamar's edged comment
would goad her into a response.

And so she made answer; and while the words were directed to Tamar, it
was Jotan whom they hurt.

"You are right, Tamar," she said proudly. "Tharn, more than any man I
have ever known, is free of fear. How could he know fear when there is
no man or animal that could match his strength, agility or quick mind."

"Had you seen him, as I did, crush the skull of a full-grown lion with a
single blow of his fist, had you seen him close in battle with Tarlok,
the leopard, with only a stone knife to use against Tarlok's teeth and
claws, had he carried any of you through the highest branches of the
forest top--then you would know why I am sure he came through the
battles in Sephar's arena! That is why I know that even now he is on his
way to take me from you."

"And when he does come, neither you nor all the warriors with you can
keep him from his purpose. You are children--all of you!--when compared
to Tharn!"

* * * * *

The nails of Jotan's fingers were biting into his palms. "And would you
go with him, Dylara?" he asked between stiff lips.

The girl's lovely brown eyes softened as she saw the pain under his
carefully expressionless face.

"Yes, I would go with