itation.

"The death word his been passed," he said doubtfully. "It can be
withdrawn only by a sacrifice to Degar Astok."

"We two have offered five of the cousins of Gumor, and a boy. Is that
not enough?"

"It must be a human sacrifice!" cried Esle.

"Then, hag of evil omen, traitor to Uglik, attempted slayer of Invar and
me, I offer you!" cried Anak furiously, his spear raised.

"Sacrilege!" she shrilled, darting behind Uglik. "Slay the defamer of
the God!"

"What mean these charges, Anak?" asked Uglik darkly.

"Esle tampered with our spears, which you ordered her to strengthen for
the battle with the cousins of Gumor," said Anak. "They broke in our
hands. With only smiting-stones and knives, we overcame them. Further,
she tried to plot with me to kill you and take your place."

"He lies!" cried Esle in a quavering voice. Uglik turned a black face on
her.

* * * * *

"Enough!" he roared. "The sacrifice is sufficient. I withdraw the death
word. Anak, the cause of dissension between us is gone. Rejoin the tribe
in peace."

"I bow to the Father," replied Anak, suiting his action to his word.
"The tribe of Ugar has gained three members."

"Three?" asked Uglik.

"The maiden, Una, was not slain, but borne away alive by the cousins of
Gumor. I have rescued her and she waits in the valley of plenty."

"Then Degar Astok was right when he told me he should have a new High
Priestess," said Uglik, licking his lips. "She shall come to my cave and
take the place of that worn-out hag, Esle."

"She will dwell in mine," said Anak shortly. "I have taken her for mine
and I will not give her up."

"The word of the Father is the law of the tribe," said Uglik.

"That is true. I ask that the maiden whom I have taken in war be given
to me in peace."

"The maiden, Una, dwells in the Father's cave!" said Uglik.

"Then cry I rannag on you, Uglik, the Father!" cried Anak. "I challenge
you to the fight to death, which you may not refuse and continue to
rule."

"And on you I pass the death word!" shouted Uglik. "Hunters--"

"The Father may not pass the death word on one who has cried rannag,"
retorted Anak. "Such is the law!"

"Such is the law!" echoed the hunters, glad of an excuse not to attack
the two hunters of whose prowess they knew so much.

Uglik looked from one group to the other.

"When the sun starts to rest, the rannag will be fought," he answered.
"When I have slain this t