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entered in more than a single game--one for each additional game that an

individual was entered for, that no succeeding game might be delayed by the

death or disablement of a player.

Your name?" asked a clerk as Turan presented himself.

U-Kal," replied the panthan.

Your city?"

Manataj."

The keeper, who was standing beside the clerk, looked at Turan. "You have come

a great way to play at jetan," he said. "It is seldom that the men of Manataj attend

other than the decennial games. Tell me of O-Zar! Will he attend next year? Ah,

but he was a noble fighter. If you be half the swordsman, U-Kal, the fame of

Manataj will increase this day. But tell me, what of O-Zar?"

He is well," replied Turan, glibly, "and he sent greetings to his friends in

Manator."

Good!" exclaimed the keeper, "and now in what game would you enter?"

I would play for the Heliumetic princess, Tara," replied Turan.

But man, she is to be the stake of a game for slaves and criminals," cried the

keeper. "You would not volunteer for such a game!"

"But I would," replied Turan. "I saw here when she was brought into the city and

even then I vowed to possess her."

"But you will have to share her with the survivors even if your color wins,"

objected the other.

"They may be brought to reason," insisted Turan.

And you will chance incurring the wrath of O-Tar, who has no love for this

savage barbarian," explained the keeper.

And I win her O-Tar will be rid of her," said Turan.

The keeper of The Towers of Jetan shook his head. "You are rash," he said. "I

would that I might dissuade the friend of my friend O-Zar from such madness."

Would you favor the friend of O-Zar?" asked Turan.

Gladly!" exclaimed the other. "What may I do for him?"

141

The Chessmen of Mars