“That is true. They were men living quietly in Athensi who rebelled at the slaughter of the exiles who aided Professor Souchard. That act of barbarism and ruthlessness completed their distaste for life under the Oligarchs, and they fled to join us younger men who were exiled as a disciplinary measure. Ah,” he said, bitterly, “we have been steeped in the traditions of our caste which reach back into ages more remote than any recorded history known to you. To break away from those caste instincts and traditions is very difficult. But we cannot stand the Oligarchs any longer.” “Why do you not invite outside aid?” asked Jack, who had listened with intense interest. Jepthah shrugged, and his face darkened. “My dear sir,” he replied, “if you know the history of Africa of today, you will realize why we have not done so. Outside of our own country, the existence of which is not even suspected by the great mass of humanity, although a few savants like Professor Souchard and a few adventurers and slave traders have some knowledge of it, what portions of all this vast continent retain their freedom today? Egypt? Morocco? Algiers? Tunis? Tripoli? All ruled by interlopers. South Africa, Central Africa, the West Coast, the East Coast, all are subservient to one or other of the Powers. Only Abyssinia of the ancient states retains its independence. Liberia is a free country, too, but a republic created by Negro slaves and supported by your land.” “But the tribes of the Great Desert,” suggested Ali, speaking for the first time. “Yes, you Arab and Berber nomads know how to retain your freedom,” said Jepthah, tolerantly. “But if you dwelt in a rich and fertile land such as lies within this vast ring of mountain, the conquerors would not let you retain your independence. Your desert protects your oases from their grasp. “No,” he added, after a moment’s pause, “we have no desire to bring outsiders in to our aid, we revolutionaries, knowing too well what that would mean. You see”—with a sad smile—“we have only recently returned from your own world, and our opinion of the disinterestedness of your governments is not the highest. No, we prefer to drive out the Oligarchs ourselves and then—with a stable government established, democratic and just, to invite civilization to bring us its benefits and leave its evils behind.” Mr. Hampton nodded emphatic agreement. “That is, indeed, the wise thing to do,” he said. “And now that we are on the scene, if we can be of any help whatsoever, you have only to command us. The cause in which you fight is, so far as I can see, one worth enlisting to support. What you have said interests me profoundly, and I would like to talk with you and your friends more at length about this mysterious land of yours. But, if I am not mistaken, here come your friends returning, and in haste, too.” The clatter of rapid hoofbeats ascending the Great Road from the direction of the desert was dear to all.