"A splendid trophy," commented Gemnon, attracted by his companion's evident interest in the head. "It is the most valuable trophy in Cathne; there is no other to equal it, and there may never be another. That head belonged to a king of Athne. Thudos took it himself in battle as a young man."
"I rather like the idea," said Tarzan thoughtfully. "In the world from which I come men fill their trophy rooms with the heads of creatures who are not their enemies, who would be their friends if man would let them. Your most valued trophies are the heads of your enemies who have had an equal opportunity to take your head. Yes, it is a splendid idea!"
The light fall of soft sandals upon stone announced the coming of their hostess, and both men turned toward the doorway leading into a small open garden from which she was coming. Tarzan saw a girl of exquisite beauty; but whether she were more beautiful than Nemone he could not say, there are so many things that enter into the making of a beautiful countenance; yet he acknowledged to himself that Thudos was wise in keeping her hidden from the Queen.
She greeted Gemnon with the sweet familiarity of an old friend, and when Tarzan was presented her manner was cordial and unaffected, yet always the fact that she was the daughter of Thudos seemed a part of her.
"I saw you in the stadium," she said, and then, with a laugh, "I lost many drachmas because of you."
"I am sorry," said Tarzan. "Perhaps had I known that you were betting on Phobeg I should have let him kill me."
"That is an idea," exclaimed Doria, laughing. "If you fight in the stadium again I shall tell you beforehand which man I am placing my money on, and then I shall be sure to win."
"I see that I must make you like me so well that you will not want to bet on my opponent."
"From what I have seen of him," interjected Gemnon, "I think Tarzan will always be a safe bet—in an arena."
"What do you mean?" demanded the girl. "There is the suggestion of another significance in your words."