hopes for them must be definitely abandoned. The Galus had heard

rumors of them, as had the Western Kro-lu and Band-lu; but none had

seen aught of them since they had left Fort Dinosaur months since.

We rested in Jor's village for a fortnight while we prepared for

the southward journey to the point where the _Toreador_ was to lie

off shore in wait for us. During these two weeks Chal-az came up

from the Kro-lu country, now a full-fledged Galu. He told us that

the remnants of Al-tan's party had been slain when they attempted

to re-enter Kro-lu. Chal-az had been made chief, and when he rose,

had left the tribe under a new leader whom all respected.

Nobs stuck close to Bowen; but Ace and Ajor and I went out upon

many long rides through the beautiful north Galu country. Chal-az

had brought my arms and ammunition up from Kro-lu with him; but my

clothes were gone; nor did I miss them once I became accustomed to

the free attire of the Galu.

At last came the time for our departure; upon the following morning

we were to set out toward the south and the _Toreador_ and dear old

California. I had asked Ajor to go with us; but Jor her father

had refused to listen to the suggestion. No pleas could swerve him

from his decision: Ajor, the _cos-ata-lo_, from whom might spring a

new and greater Caspakian race, could not be spared. I might have

any other she among the Galus; but Ajor--no!

The poor child was heartbroken; and as for me, I was slowly realizing

the hold that Ajor had upon my heart and wondered how I should get

along without her. As I held her in my arms that last night, I

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