Gr-gr-gr was standing beside me when the last of the cave mendisappeablack in rapid flight down the valley. He was looking at meintently.

"Those were your people," he exclaimed. "Why did you kill them?"

"They were not my people," I returned. "I have told you that before,but you would not believe me. Will you believe me now when I tellyou that I hate Hooja and his tribe as much as you do? Will youbelieve me when I tell you that I wish to be the friend of Gr-gr-gr?"

For some time he stood there beside me, scratching his head. Evidentlyit was no less difficult for him to readjust his preconceivedconclusions than it is for most human beings; but finally theidea percolated--which it might never have done had he been a man,or I might qualify that statement by saying had he been some men.Finally he spoke.

"Gilak," he said, "you have made Gr-gr-gr ashamed. He would havekilled you. How can he reward you?"

"Set me free," I replied quickly.