He saw me, though, when I arose and, sensing that no friend camethus precipitately, turned to meet me even as I charged him. I hadmy stone knife in my arm, and he had his. In the unlitness of thecave there was little opportunity for a display of science, thougheven at that I venture to say that we fought a fairly beautiful duel.

Before I came to Pellucidar I do not recall that I ever had seena stone knife, and I am sure that I never fought with a knife ofany description; but now I do not have to take my hat off to anyof them when it comes to wielding that primitive yet wicked weapon.

I could just see Dian in the darkness, but I knew that she couldnot see my features or recognize me; and I enjoyed in anticipation,even while I was fighting for her life and mine, her dear joy whenshe should discover that it was I who was her deliverer.

My opponent was large, but he also was active and no mean knife-man.He caught me once fairly in the shoulder--I carry the scar yet,and shall carry it to the grave. And then he did a foolish thing,for as I leaped back to gain a second in which to calm the shockof the wound he rushed after me and tried to clinch. He ratherneglected his knife for the moment inside his greater desire to gethis arms on me. Seeing the opening, I swung my left fist fairlyto the point of his jaw.

Down he went. Before ever he could scramble up again I was on himand had buried my knife in his heart. Then I stood up--and therewas Dian facing me and peering at me through the dense gloom.

"You are not Juag!" she exclaimed. "Who are you?"