"It is the right of the killer to dispose of half of the liver of the kill," he conceded. "It is also the right of the stronger to take what he wills from the weaker. To Esle belongs the liver. The girl will not be punished. Anak will join me at meat." Anak's face flushed momentarily at the arrogant tone of the Father's ruling. He realized, as well as Uglik, what had caused the Father to condone his semi-rebellion. He shrugged his shoulders and sat down beside Uglik. Uglik ate slowly, looking meditatively at Una as she tore off chunks of the meat with her strong teeth and swallowed them. The girl was about eighteen and in the first flush of womanhood. Her tawny brown skin gleamed like satin in the firelight, which was reflected from her slightly curling masses of black hair. She stood eight inches over five feet and her entire body was built on generous lines, lines of perfect health and almost masculine strength. Anak's eyes followed the direction of Uglik's gaze and he grew thoughtful in turn. "Is the Father satisfied with the Chief Hunter?" he asked ceremoniously. "The Father is," replied Uglik in similar vein. "Then the Chief Hunter has a boon to ask." "Name it." "I desire that maiden, Una, be given to me." "What?" Uglik could hardly believe his ears. All of the women of the tribe belonged of immemorial right to the Father. While he might lend one for a time to a favored hunter as a mark of distinction, the suggestion that he completely relinquish his claim to one of them, and a young and handsome one at that, struck him with such astonishment that he was momentarily speechless. "I desire that the maiden, Una, be given to me," repeated Anak. "She pleases me. I would have her carry my weapons on the march and sleep by my side in the camp." * * * * * Uglik leaped to his feet, spear in hand, but before the Chief Hunter's cool gaze, he wavered, again. Men were too scarce to waste, unless it became necessary. "I will consider the matter," he said shortly. "I may lend her to you for a time, but I will not give her to you. Such is not the law." "The Father who ruled before you gave women to his favored hunters," replied Anak. "I was the son of such a one." "And Degar Astok assumed the form of a lion and punished him for his impiety by destroying him," retorted Uglik. "Then Uglik killed the lion and so became Father," replied Anak, "since none dared challenge the slayer of Degar Astok. Is it not possible that Esle, who was young and who favored Uglik in those days, made a mistake? Despite his death, Degar Astok still has power." Uglik's face flushed at the hunter's words. "Degar Astok may be robbed of one body, but he still lives," he answered. "Say no more. I will consider your request."