and his followers
live in the jungles."
"And does he talk as you do?"
The white chieftain shook his head. "No. Only we of the Esau tribe
have mastered speech. Not counting the women of our tribe that
comprise our numbers we are only seven in all."
"I owe Marbo my life as does also my companion," said Carruthers.
"Marbo looks upon you earth people as gods," spoke the old chieftain.
"He and his followers will protect you with their lives."
"And who rules over and beyond?" questioned Carruthers, waving his arm
to cover the remaining portion of the electron.
"There is no rule beyond except that of force. The Great One called
them by name, Morosaurus, Diplodocus, the Horned Ceratosaurus, and
many others whose names I have long forgotten. They are our enemies
whom we cannot destroy. And their numbers increase from year to year
and are slowly backing us upon our last stronghold."
"Isn't there anything we can do?" asked Carruthers, feeling a quiver
of apprehension along his spine.
* * * * *
Slowly, the old chieftain shook his head. "Nothing whatever. Marbo and
his followers can control one or two, but when the herds begin to push
on into our territory, we are doomed. Even now their rumblings and
bellowings come through the jungles. Their thirst and hunger for flesh
is enormous."
Carruthers turned upon the girl. "The old chief's words explain
everything, Nan. Professor Dahlgren has been here and gone. He lived a
lifetime in the span of a few hours earth-time. Now it looks as if we
were destined to follow in his footsteps."
"I'm not afraid," said the girl. "Nothing can be worse than what we
have already passed through." And her eyes softened as she placed her
small hands within those of Carruthers. "We have each other, Aaron."
He smiled reassuringly and turned to the old chieftain. "I am
Carruthers, a friend and assistant to Dahlgren. The girl here is
Nanette."
The chieftain smiled gravely. "And I am Zark. Welcome to my kingdom,
Carruthers and Nanette. We need you here. Now tell me of your world,
for long have I waited for a follower of the great Dahlgren to appear
before my people."
Throughout the remainder of the day Carruthers talked. The shafts of
light paled at the end of the short day. Night came, bringing with it
a sense of security against the increasing hordes that thundered and
trumpeted beyond the borders of the jungle.
In the morning Zark instructed Ma
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