Page:The Cave Girl - Edgar Rice Burroughs.pdf/176

 “You have killed Korth and Flatfoot—who is to prevent you from taking Nadara?”

“I wish to be joined to her with your permission and in accordance with the marriage ceremonies of your people,” said Thandar.

The old man shook his head.

“I do not understand you,” he replied at last. “There are several fine caves that are not occupied—if you wish a better one you have but to slay the present occupants if they do not get out when you tell them to—but I think they will get out when the slayer of Korth and Flatfoot tells them to.”

“I am not worried about a cave,” said Thandar. “Tell me how men take their wives among you.”

“If they do not come with us willingly we take them by the hair and drag them with us,” replied Nadara’s father. “My mate would not come with me,” he continued, “and even after I had caught her and dragged her to my cave she broke away and fled from me, but again I overhauled her, for when I was young none could run more swiftly, and this time I did what I should have done at first—I beat her upon the head until she went to sleep. When she awoke she was in my own cave, and it was night, and she did not try to run away any more.”

For a long time Thandar sat in thought. Presently he spoke addressing Nadara.