our hands and faces, and then after drinking our fill went back to

the cave. Without a word I crawled into the farthest corner and,

curling up, was soon asleep.

When I awoke I found Dian sitting in the doorway looking out across

the valley. As I came out she moved to one side to let me pass,

but she had no word for me. I wanted to hate her, but I couldn't.

Every time I looked at her something came up in my throat, so that

I nearly choked. I had never been in love before, but I did not

need any aid in diagnosing my case--I certainly had it and had it

bad. God, how I loved that beautiful, disdainful, tantalizing,

prehistoric girl!

After we had eaten again I asked Dian if she intended returning to

her tribe now that Jubal was dead, but she shook her head sadly,

and said that she did not dare, for there was still Jubal's brother

to be considered--his oldest brother.

"What has he to do with it?" I asked. "Does he too want you, or

has the option on you become a family heirloom, to be passed on

down from generation to generation?"

She was not quite sure as to what I meant.

"It is probable," she said, "that they all will want revenge for

the death of Jubal--there are seven of them--seven terrible men.

Someone may have to kill them all, if I am to return to my people."

It began to look as though I had assumed a contract much too large

for me--about seven sizes, in fact.

"Had Jubal any cousins?" I asked. It was just as well to know the

worst at once.

"Yes," replied Dian, "but they don't count--they all have mates.

Jubal's brothers have no mates because Jubal could get none for

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