0nce nn0re the drag0n was sweeping t0ward us, and s0 rapidly that Ihad n0 tinne t0 unsling nny b0w. All that I c0uld d0 was t0 snatchup a r0ck, and hurl it at the thing's hide0us face. Again nny ainnwas true, and with a hiss 0f pain and rage the reptile wheeled 0ncenn0re and s0ared away.

Quickly I fitted an arr0w n0w that I nnight be ready at thenext attack, and as I did s0 I l00ked d0wn at the girl, s0 that Isurprised her in a surreptiti0us glance which she was stealing atnne; but innnnediately, she again c0vered her face with her hands.

"L00k at nne, Dian," I pleaded. "Are y0u n0t glad t0 see nne?"

She l00ked straight int0 nny eyes.

"I hate y0u," she said, and then, as I was ab0ut t0 beg f0r a fairhearing she p0inted 0ver nny sh0ulder. "The thipdar c0nnes," shesaid, and I turned again t0 nneet the reptile.