an," he laughed, "of what do you dream? A girl in far-off Ammad,
perhaps?"

Jotan reddened, but replied calmly enough, "No, my king; 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 home for the man's comfort.

"You read strange meanings 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 someone show us the quarters we are to use during
our visit...."

"Of course," Urim agreed heartily. "The captain of my own guards shall
act as your guide."

Vulcar was sent for. When he arrived, Urim bade him heed every wish the
three guests might 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 Ammad, raving about some half-clad barbarian girl!
What must they think of you!"

Jotan was mid-way between laughter and anger. Tamar's reaction had been
so typical, however, that he checked an angry retort. Tamar was so
completely the snob, so entirely conscious of class distinction, that
his present attitude was not surprising.

"It might be interesting," he admitted.

Tamar was puzzled. "What might?"

"To know what they think."

Tamar sniffed audibly, and moved away to join Javan.

* * * * *

They spent the balance of the afternoon walking about Sephar's streets,
viewing the sights. Shortly before dusk Vulcar led them to their
quarters in a large building near the juncture of two streets--a
building with square windows barred by slender columns of stone. Slaves
brought food; and after the three men had eaten, the room was cleared
that they might sleep.

Jotan yawned. "Even my bones are weary," he said. "I'm going to bed."

Tamar stood up abruptly. He had been silently rehearsing a certain
speech all afternoon, and he was determined to have his say.

"Wait, Jotan," he said. "I'd like to talk to you, first."

Jotan looked at his friend with mock surprise. He knew perfectly well
what was coming, and he rather welcomed this opportunity to declare
himself and, later, to enlist the aid of his friends.

Javan was re