hing rapidly, so I turned my attention toward them.

I think that they must have been commencing to have some doubts--those
wild, naked, red warriors--for when the first man fell in the second
boat, the others stopped paddling and commenced to jabber among
themselves.

The third boat pulled up alongside the second and its crews joined in
the conference. Taking advantage of the lull in the battle, I called
out to the survivors to return to their shore.

"I have no fight with you," I cried, and then I told them who I was and
added that if they would live in peace they must sooner or later join
forces with me.

"Go back now to your people," I counseled them, "and tell them that you
have seen David I, Emperor of the Federated Kingdoms of Pellucidar, and
that single-handed he has overcome you, just as he intends over-coming
the Mahars and the Sagoths and any other peoples of Pellucidar who
threaten the peace and welfare of his empire."

Slowly they turned the noses of their canoes toward land. It was
evident that they were impressed; yet that they were loath to give up
without further contesting my claim to naval supremacy was also
apparent, for some of their number seemed to be exhorting the others to
a renewal of the conflict.

However, at last they drew slowly away, and the Sari, which had not
decreased her snail-like speed during this, her first engagement,
continued upon her slow, uneven way.

Presently Perry stuck his head up through the hatch and hailed me.

"Have the scoundrels departed?" he asked. "Have you killed them all?"

"Those whom I failed to kill have departed, Perry," I replied.

He came out on deck and, peering over the side, descried the lone canoe
floating a short distance astern with its grim and grisly freight.
Farther his eyes wandered to the retreating boats.

"David," said he at last, "this is a notable occasion. It is a great
day in the annals of Pellucidar. We have won a glorious victory.

"Your majesty's navy has routed a fleet of the enemy thrice its own
size, manned by ten times as many men. Let us give thanks."

I could scarce restrain a smile at Perry's use of the pronoun "we," yet
I was glad to share the rejoicing with him as I shall always be glad to
share everything with the dear old fellow.

Perry is the only male coward I have ever known whom I could respect
and love. He was not created for fighting; but I think that if the
occasion should ever arise where it becam