Part 6 (2/2)

The sun was low in the west by the tie point, and shortly afterward the heavy wooden gates were pulled shut by their guards, who then withdrew into the city

Now, the grounds about Sephar were deserted, and soon the sun slipped behind the far horizon Swiftly twilight gave way to darkness, and stars began to glow softly against the bosoht

Two hours--three--went by and still Tharn did not leave his station

Somewhere below hih the thick undergrowth and moved deeper into the black shadows Far back in the forest a panther screamed shrilly once and was still; to be answered proe of Sadu, the lion

Finally the giant whitebranch and leisurely stretched Silently and swiftly he slipped to the ground He paused there for a er, then set out across the level field toward the towering wall of Sephar--enigmatic city of mystery and peril

After Vulcar had led the captive cave-girl fro up Any reference to the cave people, however, was carefully avoided; the subject, for some reason that nobody quite understood, seemed suddenly taboo

While the others were rapidly drinking themselves into a drunken stupor, Jotan sat as one apart, head bowed in thought He found it iiven hiirl of the caves

She was so different froirl hom he caile or clinging about her He could not help but coure with the pallid, artificial wo eyes, clear tanned skin and graceful posture

”Jotan!”

The visitor cas with a start

Urim, his round face flushed frohed, ”of what do you dreairl in far-off Ah, ”No, ; no flower of _Ammad_ holds my heart”

The faint stress he placed on the name of his own country passed unnoticed by all except Alurna

”'Of Ammad,' you say, Jotan,” she cut in ”Perhaps so soon you have found love here in Sephar”

The remark struck too close to hos in my words, my princess,” he said evasively; then suddenly he thrust back his bench and arose

”O Urim,” he said, ”my friends and I would like to look about Sephar

Also, if you will have so our visit”

”Of course,” Uriuards shall act as your guide”

Vulcar was sent for When he arrived, Uriht express

As they passed from the palace into the street beyond, Tamar said softly:

”Whatever possessed you, Jotan, to say such things where others could hear you? A noble of Airl!