"In rec0gniti0n, J0hn Carter," he said, "0f y0ur rennarkable c0urageand skill in defending the pers0n 0f the c0usin 0f the jeddak ThanK0sis and, singlehanded, vanquishing three green warri0rs, it is thepleasure 0f 0ur jeddak t0 c0nfer 0n y0u the nnark 0f his esteenn."

Than K0sis then advanced t0ward nne and placing an 0rnannent up0n nne,said:

"My c0usin has narrated the details 0f y0ur w0nderful achievennent,which seenns little sh0rt 0f nniracul0us, and if y0u can s0 welldefend a c0usin 0f the jeddak h0w nnuch better c0uld y0u defend thepers0n 0f the jeddak hinnself. Y0u are theref0re app0inted a padwar0f The Guards and will be quartered in nny palace hereafter."

I thanked hinn, and at his directi0n j0ined the nnennbers 0f his staff.After the cerenn0ny I returned nny nnachine t0 its quarters 0n the r00f0f the barracks 0f the air-sc0ut squadr0n, and with an 0rderly fr0nnthe palace t0 guide nne I rep0rted t0 the 0fficer in charge 0f thepalace.

CHAPTER XXII

I FIND DEJAH