She reached forth and touched his arm with a slim brown hand.  “Your services are accepted,” she said; “and if ever we reach Helium I promise that your reward shall be all that your heart could desire.”

“I shall serve faithfully, hoping for that reward,” he said; but Tara of Helium did not guess what was in his mind, thinking rather that he was mercenary.  For how could the proud daughter of The Warlord guess that a simple panthan aspired to her hand and heart?

The dawn found them moving rapidly over an unfamiliar landscape.  The wind had increased during the night and had borne them far from Bantoom.  The country below them was rough and inhospitable.  No water was visible and the surface of the ground was cut by deep gorges, while nowhere was any but the most meager vegetation discernible.  They saw no life of any nature, nor was there any indication that the country could support life.  For two days they drifted over this horrid wasteland.  They were without food or water and suffered accordingly.  Ghek had temporarily abandoned his rykor after enlisting Turan’s assistance in lashing it safely to the deck.  The less he used it the less would its vitality be spent.  Already it was showing the effects of privation.  Ghek crawled about the vessel like a great spider—­over the side, down beneath the keel, and up over the opposite rail.  He seemed equally at home one place as another.  For his companions, however, the quarters were cramped, for the deck of a one-man flier is not intended for three.

Turan sought always ahead for signs of water.  Water they must have, or that water-giving plant which makes life possible upon many of the seemingly arid areas of Mars; but there was neither the one nor the other for these two days and now the third night was upon them.  The girl did not complain, but Turan knew that she must be suffering and his heart was heavy within him.  Ghek suffered least of all, and he explained to them that his kind could exist for long periods without food or water.  Turan almost cursed him as he saw the form of Tara of Helium slowly wasting away before his eyes, while the hideous kaldane seemed as full of vitality as ever.

“There are circumstances,” remarked Ghek, “under which a gross and material body is less desirable than a highly developed brain.”

Turan looked at him, but said nothing.  Tara of Helium smiled faintly.  “One cannot blame him,” she said, “were we not a bit boastful in the pride of our superiority?  When our stomachs were filled,” she added.

“Perhaps there is something to be said for their system,” Turan admitted.  “If we could but lay aside our stomachs when they cried for food and water I have no doubt but that we should do so.”

“I should never miss mine now,” assented Tara; “it is mighty poor company.”

A new day had dawned, revealing a less desolate country and renewing again the hope that had been low within them.  Suddenly Turan leaned forward, pointing ahead.