enclosed his aged
body in a hollow square and the procession moved away. They came after
a short journey to a natural opening leading to the heart of the
plateau. The apes and gorillas, with the exception of the red leader,
remained outside. The remainder of the party pushed through a tortuous
tunnel until they reached a cavernous opening directly beneath the
plateau. Vertical openings in the walls furnished light and air. The
white chieftain spoke in a strange tongue to his followers, and they
instantly prepared three couches in a far corner of the cavern.

As the earth people seated themselves on the skins that made up the
couch they were both conscious of a far-away rumbling like peals of
thunder. Not having seen any signs of a storm outside Carruthers
turned inquiringly on the aged chieftain.

The old man's eyes were shadowed with grim foreboding. "I have ordered
something to refresh you and your companion," he said. "Eat first, my
friends. We will talk later."

The six body-guards left the main cavern. Presently they returned with
large trays made of fanlike leaves resembling the palmetto. Fresh
fruits and uncooked vegetables formed the bulk of the meal. In silence
they ate. After the litter had been cleared away the guards withdrew
with the exception of the giant red ape, who crouched near the opening
to the tunnel.

"I am glad you have come," began the old chieftain, "but sorry, too.
Our planet, or rather the higher forms of life upon it, are doomed."

* * * * *

Again there came to the ears of the earth people that far-off beat of
sound that seemed to shake the ground. They looked to the white
bearded leader for explanation.

"Ah, you hear it too," murmured the other. "For centuries, we of the
great tribe of Esau have fought for the supremacy of our little
world--ever since the Great One appeared in our midst and instructed
us in world knowledge."

"And this Great One, as you call him," spoke Carruthers. "Who was he?"

"He was from your world. I never saw him. He comes to me as a legend.
For years he toiled among us, teaching and instructing until we
mastered his language. He called himself Dahlgren. Later he ruled all
the tribes. We of the Esau line he made into leaders because of our
higher intelligence. The tribes of Zaku were trained for war. Perhaps
you have noticed the chief of all the Zakus. He is crouching now
beside the entrance to our inner walls. He is Marbo,