Tharn gave up trying to find an answer to the puzzle and dozed off. He was awakened a half hour later by the sound of the cell door opening. He raised his head in time to see Katon enter with two palace guards. Without hesitation the three approached Tharn's couch and he rose to meet them.
"Come, Tharn," said Katon hurriedly. "Urim is waiting for you."
The cave man did not move. "Why?" he asked laconically.
"It is my doing," Katon explained impatiently. "I went to him with an idea, and he thinks enough of it to send for you."
Tharn was satisfied. He could trust Katon. Besides, it would be good to quit this dank place—if only for a little while.
Heedless of curious stares from the other prisoners, Tharn and Katon passed from the room, a guard leading the way. And shortly afterward they stopped before the door of Urim's apartment. In response to their knock, a hollow voice bade them enter.
Tharn could hardly credit his eyes at the change in the man who slumped dejectedly on a couch near the far wall. In place of the proud ruler who had ordered him to the pits, was a hollow-cheeked, sunken-eyed old man.
At the entrance of Tharn and the others, Urim slowly lifted his head and looked full into the calm gray eyes of the giant savage. Under their quiet, sympathetic expression a gleam of hope flickered into his own tired eyes and he squared his shoulders.
"Have you told this man of your plan?" he asked Katon.
"No, Urim," replied the Sepharian. "I thought you might wish to do so."