niable was his statement that
it was sheer injustice to sacrifice needlessly the lives of loyal men on
what could only be classified as a fool's errand.

Impulsively he turned to one of the three warriors sitting in a stolid
row beside him. "Tell me, Itak," he said, "what is your greatest desire
at this moment?"

"To serve you, noble Jotan," the man replied promptly and with complete
honesty.

"And after that?"

Itak's dark face split in a wide smile. "When we left for Ammad, my mate
was heavy with child. I would like to learn if I have a son or a
daughter."

Slowly Jotan rose from the log and stretched his long, powerful arms.
"We have rested long enough," he said, his face empty of all emotion.
"Let us be on our way--back to join our companions!"

Open relief showed in the three warriors' faces. Only Tamar fully
understood what those words had cost his friend and he stood up and laid
a comforting hand on his shoulder. For only a second he left it there
and neither spoke.

Then packs were swung to stalwart backs and the five men disappeared
among the trees along the narrow game trail leading into the south--and
Ammad.

* * * * *

Consciousness returned to Dylara at the moment the spider man was
placing her roughly on a heap of foul-smelling grasses. In the almost
impenetrable darkness she was aware that his hands were moving
lingeringly along the contours of her body and in sudden terror she
struck out at his face, guided by the sound of hoarse rapid breathing.

Her nails struck home and she raked them fiercely across an unseen
cheek, bringing forth a startled cry of pain and anger. An open hand
caught her heavily above the ear and once more her senses swam, leaving
her weak and defenseless.

Dimly she was aware that the awful creature was dropping to its knees
beside her and once more long slender hair-covered fingers tugged at her
tunic.

And then there was a startled grunt, a flurry of motion--and she was
alone. Even as she started up wonderingly the floor of the swinging hut
vibrated sharply under a heavy impact, followed by the sounds of furious
struggle.

What it all meant, Dylara did not know. Perhaps one of the other
spider-men, jealous of her captor's prize, had come to take her for
himself. Or perhaps the spider-man's mate had arrived to protect the
sanctity of her home.

Whatever the reason, it was Dylara's chance--and she took it without
hesitation. Huggin