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But my people are not at war with yours. I am a princess of Helium; my great-

grandfather is a jeddak; my grandfather a jed; and my father is Warlord of all

Barsoom. You have no right to keep me and I demand that you liberate me at

once."

"None who enters Bantoom ever leaves," repeated the creature without

expression. "I know nothing of the lesser creatures of Barsoom, of whom you

speak. There is but one high race--the race of Bantoomians. All Nature exists to

serve them. You shall do your share, but not yet--you are too skinny. We shall

have to put some fat upon it, Sept. I tire of rykor. Perhaps this will have a

different flavor. The banths are too rank and it is seldom that any other creature

enters the valley. And you, Ghek; you shall be rewarded. I shall promote you from

the fields to the burrows. Hereafter you shall remain underground as every

Bantoomian longs to. No more shall you be forced to endure the hated sun, or

look upon the hideous sky, or the hateful growing things that defile the surface.

For the present you shall look after this thing that you have brought me, seeing

that it sleeps and eats--and does nothing else. You understand me, Ghek;

nothing else!"

I understand, Luud," replied the other.

Take it away!" commanded the creature.

Ghek turned and led Tara of Helium from the apartment. The girl was horrified by

contemplation of the fate that awaited her--a fate from which it seemed, there was

no escape. It was only too evident that these creatures possessed no gentle or

chivalric sentiments to which she could appeal, and that she might escape from

the labyrinthine mazes of their underground burrows appeared impossible.

Outside the audience chamber Sept overtook them and conversed with Ghek for a

brief period, then her keeper led her through a confusing web of winding tunnels

until they came to a small apartment.

We are to remain here for a while. It may be that Luud will send for you again. If

he does you will probably not be fattened--he will use you for another purpose." It

was fortunate for the girl's peace of mind that she did not realize what he meant.

Sing for me," said Ghek, presently.

Tara of Helium did not feel at all like singing, but she sang, nevertheless, for

there was always the hope that she might escape if given the opportunity and if

she could win the friendship of one of the creatures, her chances would be

increased proportionately. All during the ordeal, for such it was to the

overwrought girl, Ghek stood with his eyes fixed upon her.

The Chessmen of Mars