I hadn't heard of anything of that nature, but I thought best notto admit it.

"I could be in no more danger here," I exclaimed, "than naked and unarmedin the savage jungles or upon the lonely plains of Pellucidar. Iwas fortunate, I think, to return to Phutra at all. As it was Ibarely escaped death within the jaws of a huge sithic. No, I amsure that I am safer in the arms of intelligent creatures suchas rule Phutra. At least such would be the case in my own world,where human beings like myself rule supreme. There the higher racesof man extend protection and hospitality to the stranger withintheir gates, and being a stranger here I naturally assumed that alike courtesy would be accorded me."

The Mahar looked at me in silence for some time after I ceasedspeaking and the Sagoth had translated my words to his master. Thecreature seemed very deep in thought. Presently he communicated somemessage to the Sagoth. The latter turned, and motioning me to followhim, left the presence of the reptile. Behind and on either sideof me marched the balance of the guard.

"What are they going to do with me?" I asked the fellow at my right.