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They leaped to their feet and crowded around him with many questions.
"It may not be spoken of aloud," he said; "but Floran and Val Dor know and they
assure me that you may all be trusted. Listen! What I would tell you places my
life in your hands, but you must know that every man will realize that he is
fighting today the greatest battle of his life--for the honor and the freedom of
Barsoom's most wondrous princess and for his own freedom as well--for the
chance to return each to his own country and to the woman who awaits him
there.
"First, then, is my secret. I am not of Manator. Like yourselves I am a slave,
though for the moment disguised as a Manatorian from Manataj. My country and
my identity must remain undisclosed for reasons that have no bearing upon our
game today. I, then, am one of you. I fight for the same things that you will fight
for.
"And now for that which I have but just learned. U-Thor, the great jed of Manatos,
quarreled with O-Tar in the palace the day before yesterday and their warriors set
upon one another. U-Thor was driven as far as The Gate of Enemies, where he
now lies encamped. At any moment the fight may be renewed; but it is thought
that U-Thor has sent to Manatos for reinforcements. Now, men of Gathol, here is
the thing that interests you. U-Thor has recently taken to wife the Princess Haja
of Gathol, who was slave to O-Tar and whose son, A-Kor, was dwar of The Towers
of Jetan. Haja's heart is filled with loyalty for Gathol and compassion for her sons
who are here enslaved, and this latter sentiment she has to some extent
transmitted to U-Thor. Aid me, therefore, in freeing the Princess Tara of Helium
and I believe that I can aid you and her and myself to escape the city. Bend close
your ears, slaves of O-Tar, that no cruel enemy may hear my words," and Gahan
of Gathol whispered in low tones the daring plan he had conceived. "And now," he
demanded, when he had finished, "let him who does not dare speak now." None
replied. "Is there none?"
"
And it would not betray you should I cast my sword at thy feet, it had been done
ere this," said one in low tones pregnant with suppressed feeling.
"And I!" "And I!" "And I!" chorused the others in vibrant whispers.
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