Urim transferred his attention to the cave-man. "Yesterday," he said, "my daughter was taken by a band of Hairy Men. What do you know about such men?"
Tharn smiled. "Since I was a little boy I have heard many stories by men who have fought the Hairy Ones. They are slow and clumsy and do not think quickly. The warriors of my tribe do not fear them."
"Good!" Urim exclaimed. "Now I will tell you why I sent for you.
"When Katon, here, was told by one of the guards that Alurna had been taken, he came to me with a suggestion. He thinks that by reason of your wide knowledge of the world outside our walls, you might be able to trail these Hairy Men to their caves and rescue my daughter—if she still lives.
"Do this, and you and your mate shall go free—and Katon, too. But if you fail to return with Alurna within the moon, the life of your mate is forfeit."
Tharn frowned thoughtfully. "If I do not find your daughter, yet return alone, what reward is mine?"
"None! It would be as though you had not set foot beyond Sephar's gates."
"Which means I must take part in the Games; and Dylara remains a slave." The cave-man was thinking aloud.
Then: "I agree, Urim. I will start at once."