Now clouds are practically unknown in the skies of Pellucidar. Themoment that my eyes rested upon them my heart leaped. I seizedPerry's arm and, point-ing toward the horizonless distance, shouted:

"The Mountains of the Clouds!"

"They lie close to Phutra, and the country of our worst enemies,the Mahars," Perry remonstrated.

"I know it," I replied, "but they give us a starting-point fromwhich to prosecute our search intelligently. They are at least afamiliar landmark.

"They tell us that we are upon the right trail and not wanderingfar in the wrong direction.

"Furthermore, close to the Mountains of the Clouds dwells a goodfriend, Ja the Mezop. You did not know him, but you know all thathe did for me and all that he will gladly do to aid me.