nder constant surveillance since the day old
Heglar died. Thus far her actions have been above suspicion."

Curzad's shoulders rose and fell in a shrug. "Meanwhile," he said,
"Garlud's son, Jotan, draws closer to Ammad. Any sun now he and his men
may approach its gates."

"Which is one of the reasons I sent for you. Shortly before Dyta brings
his light tomorrow, send fifty of your most trusted warriors to
intercept and take captive Jotan and his men. Return them to Ammad under
cover of darkness and confine them all in the pits. It might be wise to
place Jotan in the cell next his father and a trusted warrior in a
neighboring cell to listen in on their conversations."

"You'll never trick Garlud so easily."

"No man is perfect, Curzad," observed Jaltor, smiling grimly. "I intend
to overlook no possibility in getting to the bottom of this matter."

CHAPTER XI

CAME THARN

Once Tharn was satisfied that the column of fifty Ammadians, with Dylara
and Trakor in its midst, meant to cut directly across that wide expanse
of sun-baked grasses, he set out on a circuitous course to pass them
that he might be the first to reach the distant forest beyond. It meant
covering a quarter again as much ground, but the advantage made this
extra effort worth while.

As he moved across the prairie at a tireless trot, bitter thoughts
filled his mind. Last night Dylara had been almost within arm's reach
and it seemed his long search for her was on the point of ending.
Caution, ever a strong attribute of jungle dwellers, had brought on his
decision to wait until the camp was settled down for the night before he
attempted to wrest her from the Ammadians who held her captive. Had the
circumstances demanded it, Tharn would have unhesitatingly charged all
fifty of those armed men; but only the inexperienced uses force where
stealth will do.

And so Tharn had restrained his impatience, deciding to nap an hour or
two while he waited. He had awakened to loud voices and had witnessed,
in helpless rage, Ekbar's cross-examination of Trakor and Dylara. His
first reaction was anger that Trakor had attempted a deed beyond his
still limited prowess, but understanding came at once. It was in this
fashion that the boy had sought to show his gratitude to Tharn, and in
so doing had alerted the camp--and gotten himself captured in the
bargain!

Thus by the impulsive act of a hero-worshiping boy had Tharn's original
task become a double one--an