There they had stayed, waging periodic but futile warfare. Wild and tribal now, they still had never forgotten. The _S'Relah_ was a fanatic, inter-tribal society ... persisting through countless generations, dedicated to a relentless hate of those upper Martians. And Ketrik knew what few men knew--that among the _S'Relah_ were many renegade Martians, outlaws and embittered "politicals" usually, working through the Society for personal gain or revenge. * * * * * Ketrik had his story ready as they came into the camp. The Rajec leader was sent for. This man was large, well proportioned, the muscles beneath his ebon skin high-lighted in the glow of the central fire. He was armed merely with a razor-edged dagger in a jewelled belt. Ketrik, looking at him, felt respect and a certain foreboding--the latter occasioned by the slight enigmatic smile about the other's lips. The man eyed Ketrik with equal interest. His keen gaze lingered overly long on his "Martian" features. He certainly noted the electro which Ketrik retained, but it didn't seem to bother him. He spoke at last, in Martian. "You claim to be _S'Relah_. We will need proof of that. What is your name?" "Khosan." "Ah, yes. Khosan. And where do you come from?" "L'Ottli." Ketrik named a small mining camp far to the south. "Been prospecting there for six months, trying to make stake enough to get up to Turibek." "Yes. We, too, go to Turibek. You knew that?" Ketrik allowed puzzlement to show in his eyes. The other went on. "You seem surprised, Khosan. Had you not heard, then, that your emperor, Dar Vaajo, has signed a treaty with the consolidated tribes of Rajec?" "I had not heard. And I believe you lie! The Rajecs would never make treaty!" Ketrik hoped his disbelief sounded convincing. "It is true," the black shrugged. "But that does not matter. Your going to Turibek matters. A foolhardy thing to attempt alone!" The enigmatic smile still lingered. "But, then, being at L'Ottli for so long, you were not aware of Dar Vaajo's scouts everywhere. This area has become thick with their 'copters--especially in the last few hours!" There was calculated meaning in the last words. Ketrik decided on a bold stroke. He said calmly, "Yes. I am aware of it now. They blasted my plane out of the sky scarcely an hour ago. Perhaps you saw that?" "We all have observed a slight display in the sky to the west. You know--Khosan--word reaches us swiftly and in many ways. It is rumored that Vaajo's scouts are seeking to apprehend one who _may_ come here from Earth." The black paused, but Ketrik's eyes never flickered. "They may even search this area. They know our camp is here. There should be a reward of many Martian credits for capture of the one they seek!" Ketrik shrugged. "That explains why they fired at me. I guess they mistook me for that one." The Rajec's smile vanished abruptly. His next questions came fast. "You are _S'Relah_? Why are you _S'Relah_?"