* * * * * Trakor's use of the word "we" brought the realization to Tharn that he was now faced with two problems. The first, of course, was to locate the trail of Dylara's abductors--and already his keen mind had hit on a short cut to that end. The second problem showed every indication of being a great deal harder to solve: What was he going to do with Trakor? To permit the boy to return to the caves of Gerdak was unthinkable. The chief would be sure to blame him for what had happened; and while he might not actually kill Trakor he would certainly make his life unbearable. Nor could he leave this inexperienced youngster to face the jungle alone. Sadu or Jalok would be feeding on his soft flesh before two suns were gone! The only alternative was to take the boy with him on his search for Dylara. It would mean slowing his pursuit of the Ammadians to a relative crawl--a thought galling to the cave lord.... "What do we do now?" Trakor said again. Tharn shrugged lightly, his decision made. "We wait awhile. Now we shall sleep for an hour or two." "Up here?" Trakor's voice faltered a little. "Would it be better to sleep on the ground?" Tharn asked with grim humor. As though to underscore the question, the distant scream of a panther came to their ears. Trakor shivered. "The tree is better," he admitted. "It is only that I have never slept in a tree," he laughed uncertainly. "I suppose I can get used to it." "Lean your back against the trunk," Tharn said, "and allow your legs to drop on either side of the branch you are sitting on, resting your feet on the branches directly below. That way you will not fall, no matter how soundly you sleep." The boy obeyed, and while he found the position less restful than the heap of pelts in the cave of his father, it was bearable. He knew he would not be able to sleep, for already the chill of the jungle at night was creeping into his bones. Seconds later he was sleeping soundly, while above him Tharn too slept in a fork of the same tree. * * * * * A hand shaking his shoulder awoke Trakor with a start. Crouching on the branch beside him was Tharn, his magnificent body faintly discernible in the diffused light of Uda, the moon. "Come," Tharn said. "It is time we set about locating the path used by the Ammadians in scaling the cliffside." "At night?" Trakor asked wonderingly. "Would it not be better to wait until there is enough light to pick up the trail?" "I have another plan," Tharn replied evasively. "Here," he added, stooping. "Place your arms about my neck." Although he did not understand the reason behind the order Trakor followed his companion's bidding. An instant later he was swept up and out into the maze of branches while borne in Tharn's arms.