I was a new man,
imbued with a sense of superiority that led me to feel that I could
go forth and conquer all Caspak single-handed. Now, when I needed
meat, I ran it down on Ace and roped it, and when some great beast
with which we could not cope threatened us, we galloped away to
safety; but for the most part the creatures we met looked upon us
in terror, for Ace and I in combination presented a new and unusual
beast beyond their experience and ken.
For five days I rode back and forth across the southern end of the
Galu country without seeing a human being; yet all the time I was
working slowly toward the north, for I had determined to comb the
territory thoroughly in search of Ajor; but on the fifth day as
I emerged from a forest, I saw some distance ahead of me a single
small figure pursued by many others. Instantly I recognized the
quarry as Ajor. The entire party was fully a mile away from me,
and they were crossing my path at right angles. Ajor a few hundred
yards in advance of those who followed her. One of her pursuers
was far in advance of the others, and was gaining upon her rapidly.
With a word and a pressure of the knees I sent Ace leaping out into
the open, and with Nobs running close alongside, we raced toward
her.
At first none of them saw us; but as we neared Ajor, the pack
behind the foremost pursuer discovered us and set up such a howl
as I never before have heard.
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