Part 33 (2/2)
”I know of eighteen--those ith hter When we returned to Sephar, Pryak's lad, now, that we did not find Alurna”
”Alurna is in Sephar,” Tharn inforht her back”
”You?” Vulcar caet her?”
Briefly, the cave-man told of what had taken place When he was done, Vulcar stepped forward and placed both hands on Tharn's shoulders
”My life is yours for what you have done,” he said simply ”No matter what happens to her as Pryak's captive, it cannot be so horrible as death in the jungle”
For a moment the three men were silent Then Tharn said: ”Let us sit here where we shall not be overheard Katon, what can you tell me of the Games?”
”What do you want to know about the,” Tharn said promptly ”How far are the pits from the arena itself? How many of us are sent into the arena at one tiiven weapons?”
Katon was eyeing his?”
”I will explain that after you have answered my questions”
The conversation that folloas carried on in low voices Katon did ; from time to time Vulcar added details Tharn did little more than listen attentively
At last the cave-man expressed satisfaction ”I think it can be done,”
he said slowly ”There is one weakness they have not covered”
”_What_ can be done?” Plainly, Katon was puzzled ”What is behind all this, Tharn?”
Tharn leaned forward ”We want two things--and so does every man in this room and the room across the hall First: freedom Second: death to Pryak! Are you with me?”
Vulcar made a face ”Either one is beyond our reach What can a few unarainst all Sephar?”
”What have we to lose?” denard ”All of us are supposed to die within the arena If weto escape?”
Katon and Vulcar exchanged glances It was evident neither had thought of it just that way before
”What,” Vulcar said softly, ”do you suggest?”