"I'll swear it. I'll say that I—"
"Say that he knocked you down and forced his way in. Like this!" Gravgak struck him with his fist. The guard tumbled in a heap against the cavern wall. He lay there, eyes closed. Gravgak tiptoed past my hiding place. His eyes glinted with purpose. He paused at Tomboldo's door, weighed the knife in his hand, then sheathed it. He went on toward Vauna's room.
I skipped to one side of the storage room where I had seen my equipment coat hanging. Without it I could have been no match for this man. My fingers caught it off the wall, I got into it as I hurried back. Automatically my hands checked the contents, everything in place—
Gravgak was conversing with Vauna through the partly opened door. "I told you I would come."
"You have no right. I told you—" There was strength, not fear, in Vauna's low voice.
"Your father means for me to win you, if necessary by force."
"You lie. Go or I'll sound the alarm."
"You are in love with that stranger." His voice trembled with rage. "See, you don't answer. If you want him to live, get rid of him. Send him back in his silver shell."
"You threaten my father's guest?"
"The great Tomboldo will not live long. I have heard the savages plan to come in some night soon and murder him."