to the fellow, who doubt-less had but little better idea of the

contents of the document I had been sent to fetch to his masters

than would the cave man who in all probability had dis-covered it.

The Sagoth knew only that I had failed in my mission, so he took

advantage of the fact to make the return journey to Phutra as

disagreeable as possible. I did not rebel, though I had with me

the means to destroy them all. I did not dare rebel because of

the consequences to Dian. I intended demanding her release on the

grounds that she was in no way guilty of the theft, and that my

failure to recover the document had not lessened the value of the

good faith I had had in offering to do so. The Mahars might keep

me in slavery if they chose, but Dian should be returned safely to

her people.

I was full of my scheme when we entered Phutra and I was conducted

directly to the great audience-chamber. The Mahars listened to the

report of the Sagoth chief-tain, and so difficult is it to judge

their emotions from their almost expressionless countenance, that

I was at a loss to know how terrible might be their wrath as they

learned that their great secret, upon which rested the fate of

their race, might now be irretrievably lost.

Presently I could see that she who presided was com-municating

something to the Sagoth interpreter--doubt-less something to be

transmitted to me which might give me a forewarning of the fate

which lay in store for me. One thing I had decided definitely: If

they would not free Dian I should turn loose upon Phutra with my

little arsenal. Alone I might even win to freedom, and if I could

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