Elbert County tribune and Elbert County banner. (Elizabeth, Colo.) 1920-1921, 1921-05-06
CHAPTER vi.


As we reached the open the two fe-
watch over Detah Thoris hurried up
and made as though to assume custody
II her once more. The poor child
shrank against me and I felt her two
little hands fold tightly over my arm.
Waving the women away. I informed
them that Sofa would attend the cap
tive hereafter. Sarkoja merely gave
~ m ugly look and departed to hatch
up deviltrles against us.
soon found Sofa and explained to
her that wished her to guard Dejah
Thoris as she had guarded me; that I
wished her to hnd other quarters
where they would not be molested by
8aYkoja, and / finally informed her
that myself would take up my quar-
tiers among the men.
"You are q great chieftain now. John
Garter" she said. "and I must do your
bidding, though indeed an glad to do
Il under any circumstances. The man
whose metal you carry was young. but
he was q great warrior. and had by his
promotions and kills won his way close
to the rank Of Tars Tarkas, who. as
you know, IL second to Lorquas Pt0mel
saly. You are eleventh. there are but
ten chieftains in this community who
rank yen In prewess."
And II I should kill Lorquas Pto-
nelly i asked.
but you may only win that honor by
the will of the entire council that Lor-
suas Ptomel meet you in combat, or
should he attack you, you may kill him
In self-defenss, and thus win first
place"
laughed. and changed the subject.
I had no particular desire to kill Lor-
@uas Ptomel. and less to be jed
among the Thanks.
= In a search for new quarters, which
We found in a building near the audi
snce chamber and of far more preten-
tious architecture than our former
habitation. We also found In this
building real sleeping apartments with
ancient beds of highly wrought metal
swinging from enormous gold chains
depending from the marble ceilings.
The decoration of the walls was most
the other buildings l had examined.
portrayed mnny human figures in the
compositions. These were of people
ike myself, and Of a much lighter col
ar than Dejah Thoris. They were clad
N graceful, flowing robes. highly orna-
nented with metal and Jewels. and
tbeir luxuriant hair was OF beautiful
GOLDEN and reddish bronze. The men
were beardless and only few wore
arms. The scenes depleted for the
most part a fair-skinned. fair-haired
people at play.
Dejah Thoris clasped her hands
with an exclamation of rapture as she
sazed upon these magnificent works Of
art, wrought by a people long extinct;
while Sofa, on the other hand appar-
emily did not see them.
We decided to use this room, on the
second floor and overlooking the plazn,
for Dejah Thoris and Sofa, and an
ether room adjoining and In the rear
fos cooking and supplies. I then dis
patched Sofa to bring the bedding and
such food and utensils as she might
need. telling her that would guard
lDetah Thoris until her return.
As Sofa departed Dejah Thoris
turned to me with faint smile.
And to where, then, would your pris-
sner escape should you leave her. IN
less II was to follow you and crave
your protection. and ask your pardon
for the cruel thoughts she has har-
bored against you these past few
daysf- .
You are right" / answered. there
10 no escape Ter either OF w unless we
- tsestAss.'