Part 3 (1/2)

The girl did not at once respond to his implied question She see there

”I am Dylara,” she said at last, her voice low and soft, yet wonderfully clear ”My father is chief of the tribe that bears his name The caves of Majok are there,” and she pointed toward the cliff, hidden fro trees

Under the i realization, Tharn said what he had wanted to say fro you,” he reirl flushed with er

”You are a fool!” she retorted ”I belong to no one Because you saved o away at once”

She turned and would have left hiht her by the arely across theto break his hold as she did so

Then Tharn, his face ser With an effortless htly across one broad shoulder and broke into a run, heading back in the direction of hole cry for help; then a calloused palm covered her lips

And hardly had the echoes of that shout faded than six brawny fighting-le, directly in Tharn's path!

At sight of the newcomers, Tharn whirled to his left, and raced aith enor strides despite the handicap of his burden With loud yells and frightful threats beating against his ears, the cave

Pursuit was immediate For several hundred yards the chase continued at break-neck speed Coe was al the tree trunks

And then into view ca strea Dashi+ng into the water he splashed rapidly up-strea him from the point at which he had entered

Now he saw ahead of him that which he had hoped to find--the i low above the water's shi+ the limb he drew hihtly frole hand, heeasily from tree to tree Now and then he paused to listen for so reached those keen ears except the fainning to wonder what far-reaching effects this half-mad abduction would have on his future life He tried to picture his father's face when he saw his son returning with a strangea non people, although he had heard the elder Tharn declare that no true man would do so The Hairy Ones took their women in that fashi+on; but then they were hardly more than the beasts

And Barkoo! Tharn shuddered at the thought of his teacher's reaction He would say much--remarks that would sear the hide of Pandor, the elephant!

He shrugged mentally Let them, then! Many would envy hi the women of the tribe was half so fair He hoped that between now and the time Dylara and he arrived home, she would prove more tractable Were she to repulse hiht as though it hite-hot

An hour later he descended at the edge of a s bubbled in one corner, and beside it the girl was lowered to her feet The lanced at her, and grinned when she pro her wrists to restore the circulation his strong grasp had partially cut off

”Where are you taking me?” she demanded, her head still turned away

”To my caves and my tribe,” Tharn replied ”You shall be my mate

Soht the beautiful head quickly around, and the girl glared at him hotly

”I would sooner rin required effort ”I think not,” he said calood to you You shall have the finest skins to warht, and no one will tell you what to do Except me, of course,” he added slyly

She searched wildly for a telling retort ”I--I hate you!”