Kur of Gor

Chapter, the Fifth: THE STEEL WORLD

"Ai!” cried Cabot, who was startled, for he was not accustomed to such things.

In the cylinder it seemed there were four long valleys, in one of which they stood; some yards outside the stable, and on the left and right, far off, on each horizon, as though in the sky, there was another valley, and another, dim, far off, lay directly overhead. Between these valleys there were mountains and forests. And Cabot, too, could see, here and there, like a silver thread, a meandering stream.

"There,” said his guide, whom we shall call Arcesilaus, pointing to the left, into the distance, and sky, “is Lake Fear. There is good fishing there, as there is in the streams, and pools."

"Why is it called Lake Fear?” asked Cabot.

He was aware that Kurii were not fond of water.

"Because of the saurians there,” responded Arcesilaus, “descendents of saurians from the Home World."

"And you fear them?"

"Yes."

"Where is the Home World?” asked Cabot.

"It is gone,” said the second Kur, whom we shall call Pyrrhus.

"But we shall have another,” said Arcesilaus.

"It is called Gor,” said Pyrrhus.

"What is above us does not fall upon us,” observed Cabot. It seemed strange to him to see above him, so distant, what he took to be trees, and dwellings, viewed as though from overhead, and yet he was clearly below them, or, perhaps, equivalently, above them.

"This habitat, as many, is a cylinder,” said Arcesilaus, “but many, too, are spherical."

"The gravity surrogate,” said Pyrrhus, “is achieved by rotation."

"It seems much like that of Gor,” said Cabot.

"Intentionally,” said Pyrrhus.

"One can arrange a variety of gravities,” said Arcesilaus, “depending on the speed of the rotation."

"I did not understand such worlds to be so large,” said Cabot.

"This is far from the largest,” said Arcesilaus.

"How large is it?” asked Cabot.

"In measures with which you are familiar,” said Arcesilaus, “some sixteen hundred square pasangs."

"The territory of Venna,” said Cabot, “is not so great."

"I do not know,” said Arcesilaus.

"It is very large,” said Cabot.

"Far from the largest,” said Arcesilaus.

"It is the size of a small country,” said Cabot.

"I suppose so,” said Arcesilaus.

"There is day and night here,” said Cabot. He had ascertained this while still in the stable. The brunette had been left behind, on her chain. With the group, other than Cabot, Arcesilaus, and Pyrrhus, were the interlocutor, whom we shall call, following an earlier conversation between Cabot and the brunette, Grendel, and one or perhaps two others, depending on how one wishes to count. We must certainly count at least one, for he was a male human, a Gorean, a confederate of the Kurii, whose name was Peisistratus, who was of Cosian origin. He was not armed, for humans are not permitted arms in the habitat, save in the areas reserved for them. He did, however, carry a switch. It was some two feet in length. It was clipped on his belt. It was of slender, black, supple leather. It was felt that his presence might be useful if difficulties arose in communication with the human, Tarl Cabot. Also, as we know now he was a spy for the Eleventh Face of the Nameless One, who was Theocrat of the Steel World in question. When necessary, we shall refer to the Eleventh Face of the Nameless One, not inappropriately we trust, by the name of a powerful war leader and king, Agamemnon. The Agamemnon of whose name we have availed ourselves may, as we understand it, have been mythical. I suspect not. The Eleventh face of the Nameless One, however, is not mythical. Its presence we are told is everywhere. I do not know if that is true or not. I doubt it, however, for if it were true, why would it make use of spies? It does, however, upon occasion, assume bodies. I have seen more than one.

The other entity in our small group, which may or may not be counted, as one wishes, was the leashed pet of Arcesilaus, an unspeeched blonde human female, indeed, she whom we encountered earlier in the container. She was very pleased to have been allowed to accompany her master, even into the stable, where he, Pyrrhus, the interlocutor, and Peisistratus, the human, had come to fetch Tarl Cabot, who had, upon their arrival, risen to his feet, and saluted them, with an uplifted hand, and the word “Tal,” to which greeting Peisistratus had responded, similarly. “Tal” had come, too, from the translators of Arcesilaus and Pyrrhus. The blonde had snarled at the brunette, for she remembered her with hostility from the container, and the brunette, on all fours, had drawn back, pulling to the length of her chain.

Her discomfiture amused the human, Peisistratus. “She is kajira?” he inquired of Cabot.

"Yes,” said Cabot.

"Why is she not in position?” inquired Peisistratus.

"She does not know she is kajira,” said Cabot.

"Position her,” said Peisistratus.

"She is still learning the language,” said Cabot. Among Goreans when one speaks of “the language,” it is always Gorean, as though no others existed.

"She is not speechless?” asked Peisistratus.

"No,” said Cabot.

"She is a barbarian,” he said.

"Yes,” said Cabot. Goreans often think of those who do not speak their language as barbarians. Indeed, that is the usual definition of a barbarian in Gorean, “one who does not speak the language."

"Earth?"

"Yes,” said Cabot.

"I have gathered fruit on Earth,” said Peisistratus.

"You are a slaver?” said Cabot.

"Yes,” he said. “What is her language?"

"English,” said Cabot.

Peisistratus turned to the brunette.

He spoke to her in English.

"Girl!” he said.

"I beg your pardon,” she said, startled.

"Slut!” he snapped.

"Sir!” she protested.

"Are you a female?"

"I do not understand,” she said.

"Are you a female?” he inquired, again, patiently.

"Obviously!” she said.

"And how should a female be before men?” he asked.

"I do not understand you,” she said, frightened.

"Are you kajira?” he asked, harshly.

She looked wildly at Cabot, who nodded.

"Yes,” she said, nodding, “I am kajira."

Peisistratus looked to Cabot. “I thought you said she did not know herself kajira."

"She does not know the meaning of the word,” he said. “She thinks it means she is beautiful, or a beauty, such things."

Peisistratus then turned again to the girl.

He removed the switch from his belt.

She regarded the implement disbelievingly.

"Kneel,” said Peisistratus to the girl, “now, instantly! Back on your heels. Spread your knees!"

"My knees!” she cried.

"Yes,” he said, “widely. More widely! Straighten your back, place your hands, palms down, on your thighs, lift your head, look straight ahead!"

"Never!” she cried.

And then the switch fell savagely upon her, twice.

She screamed in misery.

She looked at Cabot, startled, disbelievingly, in pain. She had felt the switch. Cabot supposed it might have been the first blow she had ever received. This was true, as she had been, for most practical purposes, reared by nurses, maids, and governesses, none of whom would have dared risk their positions by more than a suggestion or a gently reproving word, easily ignored. “Help me!” she cried. There were two marks on her body. Doubtless the blows stung. He had struck her only twice. He had shown her indulgence, doubtless because he sensed her ignorance. A more aware kajira would have doubtless been punished seriously for her lack of instant obedience. But then a more aware kajira would not be likely to have been punished at all, for she would have obeyed instantly. Aware kajirae are seldom punished, for there is no reason to punish them. They know, of course, that they may be punished for the least failure to be fully pleasing. Indeed, they know, as well, the master needs no reason to punish them. They may be punished at any time, at his pleasure, with or without a reason. He is master.

"No,” he said.

"Up, slut, position, position!” said Peisistratus.

Wildly, frantically, sobbing, tears streaming from her eyes, in pain, the brunette knelt before Peisistratus, in position, as required.

"Keep your hands on your thighs!” snapped Peisistratus, for she had dared to move to cover herself.

She complied instantly.

Cabot was pleased to note this alacrity.

Too, he was pleased to see her in position.

She looked well in position, in the position of a Gorean female slave, indeed, rather, in the position of a Gorean female slave of a particular sort, the Gorean female pleasure slave.

Indeed, Cabot thought, she might make a nice pleasure slave.

He supposed that her former male acquaintances would have enjoyed having her kneeling so, before them.

"Do you speak Gorean?” Peisistratus inquired of the girl.

"A little,” she stammered. “A few words, some simple sentences!"

"What were your first words in Gorean?” he asked.

"La kajira!” she said.

Peisistratus then turned to Cabot, and he spoke in Gorean. “You did well,” he said.

"She bespoke herself kajira on a satellite of Priest-Kings, the Prison Moon,” said Cabot.

"I had heard this,” said Peisistratus, who glanced at Arcesilaus, who nodded.

The two men then returned their attention to the girl on the chain, kneeling before them, in the straw.

Yes, Cabot thought, the former male acquaintances of the former Miss Virginia Cecily Jean Pym would have doubtless enjoyed seeing her as she was now, frightened, and obedient, in the position of a Gorean pleasure slave, subject to masculine discipline and direction.

"You are a professional slaver, are you not?” said Cabot.

"Yes,” said Peisistratus.

"What do you think of her?” asked Cabot.

"Less than a half tarsk,” he said.

"So little?” said Cabot.

"She is a barbarian,” he said. “She knows little Gorean. She is new to her condition. She is ignorant, untutored, untrained. She does not yet know how to drive a man out of his mind with pleasure."

"But we are thinking in terms of silver, I trust."

"Yes, silver."

"Then you think she has promise?"

"They all have promise,” he said. “The collar brings out their beauty. Her slave curves could be worse."

Cabot nodded. To him, of course, somehow, she was maddeningly attractive. Had not the Priest-Kings seen to that? But, too, he did not doubt that she was, objectively, an incredibly beautiful young woman, who would be of interest to almost any connoisseur of her form of merchandise. And he did not doubt that several of the men she had known on Earth might very well have considered her, as she had claimed, the most beautiful woman they had ever seen. And she, in her unweening vanity, may well have held this view herself. Her mirror, surely, had not lied. On the other hand, her mirror, too, had not been familiar with, other than its owner, women of an excellence sufficient to be brought to the marking irons and the clasping collars of Gor.

"What do you think, with training, and such,” asked Cabot.

"Perhaps as much as three silver tarsks,” he said, “perhaps as much as four, or five."

"Excellent,” said Cabot.

In a market where beauty was commonly cheap that was an excellent price. But had he not assured her that he thought she would sell well, that she would bring a good price in market of the right sort, a slave market?

"Do you have any objection,” inquired Peisistratus, “to enlightening this stupid little vulo, this ignorant little tasta, as to what she is?"

Cabot shrugged. “No,” he said, “she must learn sometime."

"I think it will be much to her advantage to come to a realization of this as soon as possible, particularly if she should be outside the stable."

Cabot regarded the former Miss Pym, who had wisely retained position.

"I think so,” said Cabot.

Women well understand the switch, the whip, the rope, the chain, such things, often from the very first sight of them.

Outside the stable, a slave, not knowing herself a slave, she might inadvertently behave improperly, and find herself subjected to reprimands which might place her very life in jeopardy. Too, in many milieus it is far safer for a woman to be a slave than to be free. The free person might be simply slain; the slave, as a valued domestic animal, would be far more likely to be spared. Similarly, one would not slay valued kaiila but would add them to one's herds.

Peisistratus then spoke to the brunette in English.

"Repeat,” he said, “firmly, and clearly, the first words you learned in Gorean."

"La kajira!” she said.

"Again!” he snapped.

"La kajira!"

"Keep your knees apart!"

She complied, frightened.

How soft, and inviting, were her thighs, and how sweet the secret gate to which they led.

"Again!"

"La kajira!” she cried.

"It is true,” he said.

"Sir?"

"What do they mean?” he said.

"I do not know,” she sobbed. “That I am a beauty, that I am beautiful, I do not know!"

"You are vain, are you not?"

"I do not know!” she wept.

"You are,” he said.

"Yes, Sir,” she sobbed.

"But that is quite all right, for one such as you,” he said.

"For one such as I?"

"Yes,” he said, “for one who is kajira."

"It does mean then that I am beautiful?"

"No,” he said, “but it is seldom that one who is not beautiful is kajira."

She regarded him, frightened.

"You suspect, do you not?” he asked.

"No,” she said. “No! No!"

"Yes,” said he. “It means ‘I am a slave girl.’”

"No!” she cried. “No! No! No!"

"Do not break position,” warned Peisistratus.

"You bespoke yourself slave on the Prison Moon,” said Cabot. “The words were spoken. The thing was done."

"I was frightened!” she said. “I didn't think! I didn't know what I was saying!"

"Slaves may not lie,” said Cabot. “Do not lie. You knew well what you were saying. Do not lie. You are not a free woman. They may lie, you may not. Do not lie. You are now subject to discipline, and may be whipped."

"Whipped?"

"Yes,” said Cabot. “The words were spoken. That is sufficient. It was done. Clearly, too, you meant what you said. It was obvious. But that is not important. It does not matter whether you meant what you said or not. The words were spoken. The thing was done."

"I was then a slave?"

"Yes."

"I am a slave?"

"Yes."

"You knew this all the time!” she said to Cabot.

"Yes,” he said.

"But you did not tell me!"

"Of course not,” said Cabot. “I was amused by your arrogance, and such, how you carried on as though you might be free."

"You were playing with me!"

"Yes,” said Cabot.

"Beast!” she wept, but feared to break position.

"Yes,” said Cabot.

"Free me!” she cried.

"Free yourself,” he said.

"How, how?” she asked.

"There is no way,” he said. “You are slave. There is no way you can free yourself."

"I despise men!” she cried.

"I do not think so,” he said.

"I do, I do despise them!” she wept.

"You now belong to them,” he said.

"I do not want to be a slave!” she cried.

"You will commonly kneel in the presence of free persons,” said Cabot. “You will address free men as “Master,” free women as “Mistress.” Instant and unquestioning obedience is expected of you. Commonly, you are not to speak unless you have been given permission to do so. When you speak you will speak with softness and deference. You can own nothing. It is you who are owned. You are a property, an animal, subject to buying and selling, trading, and such. You are completely at the disposal and pleasure of your master, in all ways."

"In all ways?"

"Yes."

"—Even?"

"Yes,” he said, “and particularly so."

"I do not want to be a slave!” she cried.

Peisistratus lifted his switch, but Cabot placed his hand gently on his arm, and stayed his hand.

She had not requested permission to speak.

"You do want to be a slave,” Cabot informed her.

"No, no!” she said.

"But it does not matter one way or another,” he said. “You are a slave."

"No,” she wept. “No, no!"

Arcesilaus, who was large, even for a Kur, had witnessed the preceding exchanges with a certain degree of tolerance. Kurii, as I may have mentioned before, do not make slaves of humans, no more than, say, humans make slaves of dogs or cats. They tend to regard humans, on the whole, as food. Indeed, in Kur there is a generic word for “food,” and it is understood that it covers a wide variety of edible organisms, for example, verr, tarsk, vulo, human, and so on. Similarly, in many of the Earth languages I am informed there is a similar generic word which refers to a wide variety of edibles, vegetables, fruit, nuts, meat, and so on. Kurii do, of course, recognize that humans may serve several purposes beyond those commonly associated with food, that they may, for example, have uses as workers, pets, confederates, and so on.

Arcesilaus then gave a slight shake to the blonde's leash, and she, who had been curled on the wood at his feet, quickly stood up.

"Would you like to see our world?” inquired Arcesilaus of Cabot, through the translator.

"Very much so,” said Cabot.

Pyrrhus, much smaller than Arcesilaus, no more than four or five hundred pounds, who was in the ring hierarchy subordinate to Arcesilaus, was looking at the brunette, who was still in position. That movement of the features which Cabot was learning was a Kur smile, appeared about his jaws.

Peisistratus replaced his switch on his belt.

"Follow us, if you would,” said Arcesilaus.

The group then prepared to leave.

Cabot turned to the brunette.

"Cecily,” he said. Then he repeated the name, firmly, not unkindly. “Cecily."

He wondered if she would understand what was required.

"—Master?” she whispered.

He saw she was highly intelligent.

"When we leave,” he said, “you may break position.” Then he continued to look at her, obviously awaiting a response.

"Yes, Master,” she said.

He continued to regard her.

"—Thank you, Master,” she whispered.

Yes, he thought, she is quite intelligent. Doubtless with some training much might be expected of her in the furs, at the foot of one's couch.

He then turned to leave, and followed the others, who had preceded him a bit down the passageway.

As he left he heard her sobbing behind him, and wildly pulling at the chain, trying to free it from its fastening.

She would not, of course, be successful in this endeavor.

* * * *

"I have noted, from the stable,” said Cabot to his guides, “there seems to be an alternation of day and night."

"It agrees,” said Arcesilaus, “with that of Gor, adjusted seasonally, to the middle latitudes of that world."

"Intentionally,” said Cabot.

"Surely,” said Arcesilaus.

"I would have thought,” said Cabot, “it would have been adjusted to that of your Home World."

"Much has been lost,” said Pyrrhus, “pertaining to the Home World."

"It is important to index these things to Gor,” said Arcesilaus.

"Of course,” said Cabot.

"It is similar in several of the other worlds,” said Arcesilaus. “We wish to ease as much as possible the transition to Gor for our people."

"An invasion?” said Cabot.

"An immigration.” said Pyrrhus. Cabot noted that grimacelike smile that betokened Kur pleasure, or wit.

"There are those spoken of as Priest-Kings,” noted Cabot.

"Tell us about them,” said Arcesilaus.

"They are powerful, and considered mysterious,” said Cabot, carefully.

"They imprisoned you, for you are their enemy,” said Arcesilaus.

"We are your friend,” said Pyrrhus.

"They imprisoned me,” said Cabot, “but I am not their enemy."

"But you are our friend,” said Pyrrhus.

"Perhaps,” said Cabot. “But how can a mere human, no more than a simple beast, be a friend to those as mighty and noble as Kurii?"

"Do you think you are speaking ironically?” asked Arcesilaus.

"Yes,” said Cabot.

"You are not,” said Pyrrhus.

"Where is Zarendargar?” asked Cabot. It was, after all, he who had doubtless planned and brought to fruition the raid on the Prison Moon.

"He is your friend?” inquired Arcesilaus.

"Yes,” said Cabot.

"Interesting,” said Pyrrhus.

"We shared paga,” said Cabot.

"A great honor,” said Arcesilaus. The translator pronounced these words precisely, clearly, unemotionally, in accents of Ar, but Cabot could tell that Arcesilaus deemed this an intelligence of some moment.

"Where is Zarendargar?” asked Cabot.

"Doubtless safe and well,” said Arcesilaus. “And perhaps you will see him soon."

Cabot was not reassured by this communication, as benign as it seemed. He was sure that his rescue had been brought about through the resourcefulness and daring of Zarendargar. Why then had he not seen him?

"Tell us of Priest-Kings,” said Arcesilaus.

"How do you arrange day and night here?” asked Cabot. He looked up, at the valley overhead.

"It is done,” said Arcesilaus, “by an arrangement of mirrors outside the habitat and automated shutters within the habitat, utilizing the light, of course, of this system's primary."

"That light is constant,” said Pyrrhus, “and it supplies us with not only light but, by means of large absorbers and transformers, enormous energy, constant energy, almost unvarying energy, which may be utilized in a variety of forms, directly and indirectly."

"The habitat,” said Cabot, “would lack an atmosphere."

"An external atmosphere,” said Arcesilaus. “Obviously there is no difficulty with our internal atmosphere, which, too, incidentally, is much like that of Gor."

"What could protect you from radiation,” asked Cabot, “or from debris, of the sort which might be destroyed and scattered in a normal atmosphere?"

"The habitats are shielded, of course,” said Arcesilaus, “with several yards of slag, steel, stone, and such."

"Objects of sufficient menace,” said Pyrrhus, “such as those approximating the mass of the habitat itself, can be detected, years in advance, and no more than a small energy, at that distance, is required to move them from their course."

"Is there no danger from smaller debris?” asked Cabot.

"Very little,” said Pyrrhus. “You must understand that the light and energy is introduced into the habitat indirectly, by means of mirrors and reflective devices. Occasionally a particle, weighing no more than man or tarsk, rebounding, or such, punctures the habitat, in the vicinity of the shutters. This rupture is soon detected and repaired. Even were it not, it would take several days for the atmosphere to be reduced to levels of discomfort."

"Have you factories, farms?” asked Cabot, who, from his vantage point, could see little that suggested such things.

"Certainly,” said Arcesilaus, “but we would not wish to clutter the habitat with such miscellaneous utilities. Accordingly, they are isolated, usually only a few Ehn journey from the habitat. We have two agricultural satellites, or cylinders, and one devoted to industry."

"In the agricultural satellites,” said Pyrrhus, “a number of crops are grown, not blood food, but crops from which, suitably processed, nourishment may be obtained. We may arrange growing seasons, temperature, soil nutriments, light and darkness, and such, as we please. Thus we may have crops all year around in any fashion desired. There are no noxious insects, or such, either, to compete for the food, as we have not allowed their entry into the areas. Only such bacteria as are beneficial are admitted."

"The farms are largely automated,” said Arcesilaus, “though conditions must be monitored. Our people who work in the farm areas often wear protective clothing, for the heat, the humidity, and such, of some of the areas, particularly those of a tropical nature, would be uncomfortable."

"Out industrial cylinder,” said Pyrrhus, “has several divisions in which work may be efficiently accomplished, some of it, when appropriate, under degravitized conditions."

"Where,” asked Cabot, “do you get the raw materials for these things, the shielding, the chemicals, and such?"

"The habitat swims in the midst of plenty,” said Pyrrhus.

"But oxygen?” said Cabot.

"Oxygen is abundant in the silicate of our neighbors,” said Arcesilaus. “It is one of the commonest elements in the universe. So, too, with carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and such. Ferrous metals, phosphates, water, sulfur, and so on, abound. All of these materials are obtained and processed."

"You have all you need for life here,” said Cabot, “food, water, raw materials, comfort, territory, abundant energy, all such things."

Arcesilaus shrugged, a movement of large muscles moving like living rope beneath the skin, moving the shimmering fur in turn like wind in the water.

"You have little to fear,” said Cabot, “other than the demise of the star."

"We would then seek another,” said Pyrrhus.

"You can move the habitats?"

"Of course,” said Arcesilaus.

"Of course,” said Cabot, “that is how you came here."

"We are not sure, now, from how far,” said Arcesilaus.

"Records are lost, and some remaining are inconsistent."

"Wars,” explained Arcesilaus.

"With all due respect,” said Pyrrhus, glancing at the blonde, who lay at the feet of Arcesilaus, “the universe belongs by right to the Kurii. We are the highest and noblest life form in the universe, its noblest and supreme accomplishment. Has it not been designed to produce us and abet our projects? It is accordingly our duty to seed the universe with our kind and to spread the light of our civilization throughout the cosmos."

"Have you already begun to do so?” inquired Cabot.

"Yes,” said Pyrrhus. “Some of the worlds are already aflight."

"You shudder?” inquired Arcesilaus.

"I felt cold,” said Cabot.

"You have seen enough for one day,” said Arcesilaus. “Let us return you to the stable."

"There are some other cylinders, as well,” said Pyrrhus. “There is a hunting cylinder, muchly forested, where we may go for the pleasures of hunting, and we maintain, for our human confederates, a pleasure cylinder, such things."

"It seems you have everything you need here,” said Cabot.

"Yes,” said Arcesilaus.

"But you are not satisfied?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"This is not a natural world,” said Arcesilaus.

"It is not Gor,” said Pyrrhus.

"What of Priest-Kings?” asked Cabot.

"Yes,” said Arcesilaus. “What of Priest-Kings?"

"Perhaps you will tell us about them some day,” said Pyrrhus.

"Perhaps,” said Cabot.

Arcesilaus then gave a tiny shake to the blonde's leash, and she stood, happily.

She was very pleased to be back in her collar.

You may recall her unease in the container, when she had awakened uncollared, her touching her neck, and such, her fear. You may not have understood her anxiety at the time, or fully, but would have, had you known more of the Steel Worlds. We tried to explain her concern at the time, at least to some extent. For example, apprehended by the patrollers, with their catchpoles and ropes, as a stray, she might have been remanded, perhaps hamstrung, to the cattle pens, later to be dragged to the butchering table.

In any event, it is not surprising that she was pleased to be back in her collar, with all the security it afforded her, but, more importantly, now, she was forward and even arrogant in wearing it. It indicated, after all, her particular and enviable specialness, her status, amongst humans in the habitat. She was a Kur pet.

Had she not, just now, in effect, posed before Cabot, touching the collar with both hands, pointing to it with both hands, looking up at him, indicating it, displaying it?

The collar itself was attractive on her, of course, as collars are on women. Surely she was becomingly collared, and it well set off her sleek, raw nudity, as a collar will. It was a typical pet collar, for such as she, high, to keep her head up, leather, closely fitting, locked in the back, with a ring in front, to which a leash might be attached, a chain, or such.

Cabot did not doubt but what her owner's name was on the collar. That is typical, at any rate, of Gorean slave collars. The slave's name, too, is often included, as in, say, “I am Susan. I belong to Michael of Treve,” “I am Linda, the property of Emmerich of Harfax,” “This slave is Phyllis. She belongs to Rufus, of Ar,” and so on.

Cabot smiled at her.

She moved her face in such a way that suggested she was trying to smile. Babies smile, thought Cabot, but perhaps they learn to smile.

At this point the interlocutor, Grendel, as we have chosen to speak of him, who had silently accompanied the group until now, uttered a low, menacing growl.

Arcesilaus then said something which was not picked up by the translator, and the blonde immediately went to all fours, the leash dangling up to her master's hand, or paw. Women look well on all fours, thought Cabot. I wonder if her master knows how this sight might affect male humans, seeing lovely human females so, particularly slaves, not that the blonde was a slave. She was a pet. Cabot would have preferred that she was a slave. There is something special about slaves. He had not unoften had his own slaves approach him so, sometimes bringing him the switch, or a whip, in their teeth.

The blonde looked up at him, happily.

Again the interlocutor growled, but a word from Arcesilaus, not transmitted, rebuffed him, and he put his shaggy head down, angrily, sullenly, on his chest. But two paws remained clenched.

"Our compatriot,” said Arcesilaus, indicating Grendel, “will see you to the stable."

"Why was I brought here?” asked Cabot.

"It is getting late,” said Arcesilaus.

Grendel surlily indicated that Cabot should precede him to the stable, which was not far. When they arrived there, Cabot entered the stable, and Grendel closed and locked the gate behind him. Cabot turned and said “Tal.” In this way he greeted Grendel. Grendel appeared surprised, but, after a moment, said, “Tal.” He had not used the translator.

Cabot then returned to the stall.

The brunette was gone.