Tome，DejahThoriswasallthatwasperfect；allthatwasvirtuousandbeautifulandnobleandgood。Ibelievedthatfromthebottomofmyheart，fromthedepthofmysoulonthatnightinKoradasIsatcross-leggeduponmysilkswhilethenearermoonofBarsoomracedthroughthewesternskytowardthehorizon，andlightedupthegoldandmarble，andjeweledmosaicsofmyworld-oldchamber，andIbelieveittodayasIsitatmydeskinthelittlestudyoverlookingtheHudson。Twentyyearshaveintervened；fortenofthemI
livedandfoughtforDejahThorisandherpeople，andfortenIhaveliveduponhermemory。
ThemorningofourdepartureforTharkdawnedclearandhot，asdoallMartianmorningsexceptforthesixweekswhenthesnowmeltsatthepoles。
IsoughtoutDejahThorisinthethrongofdepartingchariots，butsheturnedhershouldertome，andIcouldseetheredbloodmounttohercheek。WiththefoolishinconsistencyofloveIheldmypeacewhenImighthavepleadignoranceofthenatureofmyoffense，oratleastthegravityofit，andsohaveeffected，atworst，ahalfconciliation。
MydutydictatedthatImustseethatshewascomfortable，andsoIglancedintoherchariotandrearrangedhersilksandfurs。IndoingsoInotedwithhorrorthatshewasheavilychainedbyoneankletothesideofthevehicle。
"Whatdoesthismean？"Icried，turningtoSola。
"Sarkojathoughtitbest，"sheanswered，herfacebetokeningherdisapprovaloftheprocedure。
ExaminingthemanaclesIsawthattheyfastenedwithamassivespringlock。
"Whereisthekey，Sola？Letmehaveit。”
"Sarkojawearsit，JohnCarter，"sheanswered。
IturnedwithoutfurtherwordandsoughtoutTarsTarkas，towhomIvehementlyobjectedtotheunnecessaryhumiliationsandcruelties，astheyseemedtomylover'seyes，thatwerebeingheapeduponDejahThoris。
"JohnCarter，"heanswered，"ifeveryouandDejahThorisescapetheTharksitwillbeuponthisjourney。Weknowthatyouwillnotgowithouther。Youhaveshownyourselfamightyfighter，andwedonotwishtomanacleyou，soweholdyoubothintheeasiestwaythatwillyetensuresecurity。
Ihavespoken。”
Isawthestrengthofhisreasoningataflash，andknewthatitwerefutiletoappealfromhisdecision，butIaskedthatthekeybetakenfromSarkojaandthatshebedirectedtoleavetheprisoneraloneinfuture。
"Thismuch，TarsTarkas，youmaydoformeinreturnforthefriendshipthat，Imustconfess，Ifeelforyou。”
"Friendship？"hereplied。"Thereisnosuchthing，JohnCarter；buthaveyourwill。IshalldirectthatSarkojaceasetoannoythegirl，andImyselfwilltakethecustodyofthekey。”
"Unlessyouwishmetoassumetheresponsibility，"Isaid，smiling。
Helookedatmelongandearnestlybeforehespoke。
"WereyoutogivemeyourwordthatneitheryounorDejahThoriswouldattempttoescapeuntilafterwehavesafelyreachedthecourtofTalHajusyoumighthavethekeyandthrowthechainsintotheriverIss。”
"Itwerebetterthatyouheldthekey，TarsTarkas，"IrepliedHesmiled，andsaidnomore，butthatnightasweweremakingcampIsawhimunfastenDejahThoris'fettershimself。
WithallhiscruelferocityandcoldnesstherewasanundercurrentofsomethinginTarsTarkaswhichheseemedeverbattlingtosubdue。Coulditbeavestigeofsomehumaninstinctcomebackfromanancientforbeartohaunthimwiththehorrorofhispeople'sways!
AsIwasapproachingDejahThoris'chariotIpassedSarkoja，andtheblack，venomouslooksheaccordedmewasthesweetestbalmIhadfeltformanyhours。Lord，howshehatedme!
Itbristledfromhersopalpablythatonemightalmosthavecutitwithasword。
AfewmomentslaterIsawherdeepinconversationwithawarriornamedZad；abig，hulking，powerfulbrute，butonewhohadnevermadeakillamonghisownchieftains，andasecondnameonlywiththemetalofsomechieftain。ItwasthiscustomwhichentitledmetothenamesofeitherofthechieftainsIhadkilled；infact，someofthewarriorsaddressedmeasDotarSojat，acombinationofthesurnamesofthetwowarriorchieftainswhosemetalIhadtaken，or，inotherwords，whomIhadslaininfairfight。
AsSarkojatalkedwithZadhecastoccasionalglancesinmydirection，whilesheseemedtobeurginghimverystronglytosomeaction。Ipaidlittleattentiontoitatthetime，butthenextdayIhadgoodreasontorecallthecircumstances，andatthesametimegainaslightinsightintothedepthsofSarkoja'shatredandthelengthstowhichshewascapableofgoingtowreakherhorridvengeanceonme。
DejahThoriswouldhavenoneofmeagainonthisevening，andthoughIspokehernamesheneitherreplied，norconcededbysomuchastheflutterofaneyelidthatsherealizedmyexistence。InmyextremityIdidwhatmostotherloverswouldhavedone；Isoughtwordfromherthroughanintimate。
InthisinstanceitwasSolawhomIinterceptedinanotherpartofcamp。
"WhatisthematterwithDejahThoris？"Iblurtedoutather。
"Whywillshenotspeaktome？"
Solaseemedpuzzledherself，asthoughsuchstrangeactionsonthepartoftwohumanswerequitebeyondher，asindeedtheywere，poorchild。
"Shesaysyouhaveangeredher，andthatisallshewillsay，exceptthatsheisthedaughterofajedandthegrand-
daughterofajeddakandshehasbeenhumiliatedbyacreaturewhocouldnotpolishtheteethofhergrandmother'ssorak。”
Iponderedoverthisreportforsometime，finallyasking，"Whatmightasorakbe，Sola？"
"Alittleanimalaboutasbigasmyhand，whichtheredMartianwomenkeeptoplaywith，"explainedSola。
Notfittopolishtheteethofhergrandmother'scat!ImustrankprettylowintheconsiderationofDejahThoris，I
thought；butIcouldnothelplaughingatthestrangefigureofspeech，sohomelyandinthisrespectsoearthly。Itmademehomesick，foritsoundedverymuchlike"notfittopolishhershoes。”Andthencommencedatrainofthoughtquitenewtome。Ibegantowonderwhatmypeopleathomeweredoing。
Ihadnotseenthemforyears。TherewasafamilyofCartersinVirginiawhoclaimedcloserelationshipwithme；
Iwassupposedtobeagreatuncle，orsomethingofthekindequallyfoolish。Icouldpassanywherefortwenty-fivetothirtyyearsofage，andtobeagreatunclealwaysseemedtheheightofincongruity，formythoughtsandfeelingswerethoseofaboy。TherewastwolittlekiddiesintheCarterfamilywhomIhadlovedandwhohadthoughttherewasnooneonEarthlikeUncleJack；Icouldseethemjustasplainly，asIstoodthereunderthemoonlitskiesofBarsoom，andIlongedforthemasIhadneverlongedforanymortalsbefore。Bynatureawanderer，Ihadneverknownthetruemeaningofthewordhome，butthegreathalloftheCartershadalwaysstoodforallthattheworddidmeantome，andnowmyheartturnedtowarditfromthecoldandunfriendlypeoplesIhadbeenthrownamongst。FordidnotevenDejahThorisdespiseme!Iwasalowcreature，solowinfactthatIwasnotevenfittopolishtheteethofhergrandmother'scat；andthenmysavingsenseofhumorcametomyrescue，andlaughingIturnedintomysilksandfursandsleptuponthemoon-hauntedgroundthesleepofatiredandhealthyfightingman。
Webrokecampthenextdayatanearlyhourandmarchedwithonlyasinglehaltuntiljustbeforedark。Twoincidentsbrokethetediousnessofthemarch。Aboutnoonweespiedfartoourrightwhatwasevidentlyanincubator，andLorquasPtomeldirectedTarsTarkastoinvestigateit。Thelattertookadozenwarriors，includingmyself，andweracedacrossthevelvetycarpetingofmosstothelittleenclosure。
Itwasindeedanincubator，buttheeggswereverysmallincomparisonwiththoseIhadseenhatchinginoursatthetimeofmyarrivalonMars。
TarsTarkasdismountedandexaminedtheenclosureminutely，finallyannouncingthatitbelongedtothegreenmenofWarhoonandthatthecementwasscarcelydrywhereithadbeenwalledup。
"Theycannotbeaday'smarchaheadofus，"heexclaimed，thelightofbattleleapingtohisfierceface。
Theworkattheincubatorwasshortindeed。Thewarriorstoreopentheentranceandacoupleofthem，crawlingin，soondemolishedalltheeggswiththeirshort-swords。
Thenremountingwedashedbacktojointhecavalcade。
DuringtherideItookoccasiontoaskTarsTarkasiftheseWarhoonswhoseeggswehaddestroyedwereasmallerpeoplethanhisTharks。
"InoticedthattheireggsweresomuchsmallerthanthoseIsawhatchinginyourincubator，"Iadded。
Heexplainedthattheeggshadjustbeenplacedthere；but，likeallgreenMartianeggs，theywouldgrowduringthefive-yearperiodofincubationuntiltheyobtainedthesizeofthoseIhadseenhatchingonthedayofmyarrivalonBarsoom。
Thiswasindeedaninterestingpieceofinformation，forithadalwaysseemedremarkabletomethatthegreenMartianwomen，largeastheywere，couldbringforthsuchenormouseggsasIhadseenthefour-footinfantsemergingfrom。Asamatteroffact，thenew-laideggisbutlittlelargerthananordinarygooseegg，andasitdoesnotcommencetogrowuntilsubjectedtothelightofthesunthechieftainshavelittledifficultyintransportingseveralhundredsofthematonetimefromthestoragevaultstotheincubators。
ShortlyaftertheincidentoftheWarhooneggswehaltedtoresttheanimals，anditwasduringthishaltthatthesecondoftheday'sinterestingepisodesoccurred。Iwasengagedinchangingmyridingclothsfromoneofmythoatstotheother，forIdividedtheday'sworkbetweenthem，whenZadapproachedme，andwithoutawordstruckmyanimalaterrificblowwithhislong-sword。
IdidnotneedamanualofgreenMartianetiquettetoknowwhatreplytomake，for，infact，IwassowildwithangerthatIcouldscarcelyrefrainfromdrawingmypistolandshootinghimdownforthebrutehewas；buthestoodwaitingwithdrawnlong-sword，andmyonlychoicewastodrawmyownandmeethiminfairfightwithhischoiceofweaponsoralesserone。
Thislatteralternativeisalwayspermissible，thereforeI
couldhaveusedmyshort-sword，mydagger，myhatchet，ormyfistshadIwished，andbeenentirelywithinmyrights，butIcouldnotusefirearmsoraspearwhileheheldonlyhislong-sword。
IchosethesameweaponhehaddrawnbecauseIknewhepridedhimselfuponhisabilitywithit，andIwished，ifI
worstedhimatall，todoitwithhisownweapon。Thefightthatfollowedwasalongoneanddelayedtheresumptionofthemarchforanhour。Theentirecommunitysurroundedus，leavingaclearspaceaboutonehundredfeetindiameterforourbattle。
Zadfirstattemptedtorushmedownasabullmightawolf，butIwasmuchtooquickforhim，andeachtimeI
side-steppedhisrusheshewouldgolungingpastme，onlytoreceiveanickfrommysworduponhisarmorback。Hewassoonstreamingbloodfromahalfdozenminorwounds，butIcouldnotobtainanopeningtodeliveraneffectivethrust。Thenhechangedhistactics，andfightingwarilyandwithextremedexterity，hetriedtodobysciencewhathewasunabletodobybrutestrength。Imustadmitthathewasamagnificentswordsman，andhaditnotbeenformygreaterenduranceandtheremarkableagilitythelessergravitationofMarslentmeImightnothavebeenabletoputupthecreditablefightIdidagainsthim。
Wecircledforsometimewithoutdoingmuchdamageoneitherside；thelong，straight，needle-likeswordsflashinginthesunlight，andringingoutuponthestillnessastheycrashedtogetherwitheacheffectiveparry。FinallyZad，realizingthathewastiringmorethanI，evidentlydecidedtocloseinandendthebattleinafinalblazeofgloryforhimself；
justasherushedmeablindingflashoflightstruckfullinmyeyes，sothatIcouldnotseehisapproachandcouldonlyleapblindlytoonesideinanefforttoescapethemightybladethatitseemedIcouldalreadyfeelinmyvitals。
Iwasonlypartiallysuccessful，asasharppaininmyleftshoulderattested，butinthesweepofmyglanceasIsoughttoagainlocatemyadversary，asightmetmyastonishedgazewhichpaidmewellforthewoundthetemporaryblindnesshadcausedme。There，uponDejahThoris'chariotstoodthreefigures，forthepurposeevidentlyofwitnessingtheencounterabovetheheadsoftheinterveningTharks。
TherewereDejahThoris，Sola，andSarkoja，andasmyfleetingglancesweptoverthemalittletableauwaspresentedwhichwillstandgraveninmymemorytothedayofmydeath。
AsIlooked，DejahThoristurneduponSarkojawiththefuryofayoungtigressandstrucksomethingfromherupraisedhand；somethingwhichflashedinthesunlightasitspuntotheground。ThenIknewwhathadblindedmeatthatcrucialmomentofthefight，andhowSarkojahadfoundawaytokillmewithoutherselfdeliveringthefinalthrust。
AnotherthingIsaw，too，whichalmostlostmylifeformethenandthere，forittookmymindforthefractionofaninstantentirelyfrommyantagonist；for，asDejahThorisstruckthetinymirrorfromherhand，Sarkoja，herfacelividwithhatredandbaffledrage，whippedoutherdaggerandaimedaterrificblowatDejahThoris；andthenSola，ourdearandfaithfulSola，sprangbetweenthem；thelastIsawwasthegreatknifedescendinguponhershieldingbreast。
Myenemyhadrecoveredfromhisthrustandwasmakingitextremelyinterestingforme，soIreluctantlygavemyattentiontotheworkinhand，butmymindwasnotuponthebattle。
Werushedeachotherfuriouslytimeaftertime，'tilsuddenly，feelingthesharppointofhisswordatmybreastinathrustIcouldneitherparrynorescape，Ithrewmyselfuponhimwithoutstretchedswordandwithalltheweightofmybody，determinedthatIwouldnotdiealoneifIcouldpreventit。Ifeltthesteeltearintomychest，allwentblackbeforeme，myheadwhirledindizziness，andIfeltmykneesgivingbeneathme。
CHAPTERXV
SOLATELLSMEHERSTORY
Whenconsciousnessreturned，and，asIsoonlearned，Iwasdownbutamoment，Isprangquicklytomyfeetsearchingformysword，andthereIfoundit，buriedtothehiltinthegreenbreastofZad，wholaystonedeadupontheochremossoftheancientseabottom。AsIregainedmyfullsensesIfoundhisweaponpiercingmyleftbreast，butonlythroughthefleshandmuscleswhichcovermyribs，enteringnearthecenterofmychestandcomingoutbelowtheshoulder。
AsIhadlungedIhadturnedsothathisswordmerelypassedbeneaththemuscles，inflictingapainfulbutnotdangerouswound。
RemovingthebladefrommybodyIalsoregainedmyown，andturningmybackuponhisuglycarcass，Imoved，sick，sore，anddisgusted，towardthechariotswhichboremyretinueandmybelongings。AmurmurofMartianapplausegreetedme，butIcarednotforit。
BleedingandweakIreachedmywomen，who，accustomedtosuchhappenings，dressedmywounds，applyingthewonderfulhealingandremedialagentswhichmakeonlythemostinstantaneousofdeathblowsfatal。GiveaMartianwomanachanceanddeathmusttakeabackseat。Theysoonhadmepatchedupsothat，exceptforweaknessfromlossofbloodandalittlesorenessaroundthewound，Isufferednogreatdistressfromthisthrustwhich，underearthlytreatment，undoubtedlywouldhaveputmeflatonmybackfordays。
AssoonastheywerethroughwithmeIhastenedtothechariotofDejahThoris，whereIfoundmypoorSolawithherchestswathedinbandages，butapparentlylittletheworseforherencounterwithSarkoja，whosedaggeritseemedhadstrucktheedgeofoneofSola'smetalbreastornamentsand，thusdeflected，hadinflictedbutaslightfleshwound。
AsIapproachedIfoundDejahThorislyingproneuponhersilksandfurs，herlitheformwrackedwithsobs。Shedidnotnoticemypresence，nordidshehearmespeakingwithSola，whowasstandingashortdistancefromthevehicle。
"Issheinjured？"IaskedofSola，indicatingDejahThorisbyaninclinationofmyhead。
"No，"sheanswered，"shethinksthatyouaredead。”
"Andthathergrandmother'scatmaynowhavenoonetopolishitsteeth？"Iqueried，smiling。
"Ithinkyouwrongher，JohnCarter，"saidSola。"Idonotunderstandeitherherwaysoryours，butIamsurethegranddaughteroftenthousandjeddakswouldnevergrievelikethisoveranywhoheldbutthehighestclaimuponheraffections。Theyareaproudrace，buttheyarejust，asareallBarsoomians，andyoumusthavehurtorwrongedhergrievouslythatshewillnotadmityourexistenceliving，thoughshemournsyoudead。
"TearsareastrangesightuponBarsoom，"shecontinued，"andsoitisdifficultformetointerpretthem。Ihaveseenbuttwopeopleweepinallmylife，otherthanDejahThoris；
oneweptfromsorrow，theotherfrombaffledrage。Thefirstwasmymother，yearsagobeforetheykilledher；theotherwasSarkoja，whentheydraggedherfrommetoday。”
"Yourmother!"Iexclaimed，"but，Sola，youcouldnothaveknownyourmother，child。”
"ButIdid。Andmyfatheralso，"sheadded。"Ifyouwouldliketohearthestrangeandun-Barsoomianstorycometothechariottonight，JohnCarter，andIwilltellyouthatofwhichIhaveneverspokeninallmylifebefore。Andnowthesignalhasbeengiventoresumethemarch，youmustgo。”
"Iwillcometonight，Sola，"Ipromised。"BesuretotellDejahThorisIamaliveandwell。Ishallnotforcemyselfuponher，andbesurethatyoudonotletherknowIsawhertears。
IfshewouldspeakwithmeIbutawaithercommand。
Solamountedthechariot，whichwasswingingintoitsplaceinline，andIhastenedtomywaitingthoatandgallopedtomystationbesideTarsTarkasattherearofthecolumn。
Wemadeamostimposingandawe-inspiringspectacleaswestrungoutacrosstheyellowlandscape；thetwohundredandfiftyornateandbrightlycoloredchariots，precededbyanadvanceguardofsometwohundredmountedwarriorsandchieftainsridingfiveabreastandonehundredyardsapart，andfollowedbyalikenumberinthesameformation，withascoreormoreofflankersoneitherside；thefiftyextramastodons，orheavydraughtanimals，knownaszitidars，andthefiveorsixhundredextrathoatsofthewarriorsrunningloosewithinthehollowsquareformedbythesurroundingwarriors。Thegleamingmetalandjewelsofthegorgeousornamentsofthemenandwomen，duplicatedinthetrappingsofthezitidarsandthoats，andinterspersedwiththeflashingcolorsofmagnificentsilksandfursandfeathers，lentabarbaricsplendortothecaravanwhichwouldhaveturnedanEastIndianpotentategreenwithenvy。
Theenormousbroadtiresofthechariotsandthepaddedfeetoftheanimalsbroughtforthnosoundfromthemoss-
coveredseabottom；andsowemovedinuttersilence，likesomehugephantasmagoria，exceptwhenthestillnesswasbrokenbythegutturalgrowlingofagoadedzitidar，orthesquealingoffightingthoats。ThegreenMartiansconversebutlittle，andthenusuallyinmonosyllables，lowandlikethefaintrumblingofdistantthunder。
Wetraversedatracklesswasteofmosswhich，bendingtothepressureofbroadtireorpaddedfoot，roseupagainbehindus，leavingnosignthatwehadpassed。Wemightindeedhavebeenthewraithsofthedeparteddeaduponthedeadseaofthatdyingplanetforallthesoundorsignwemadeinpassing。ItwasthefirstmarchofalargebodyofmenandanimalsIhadeverwitnessedwhichraisednodustandleftnospoor；forthereisnodustuponMarsexceptinthecultivateddistrictsduringthewintermonths，andeventhentheabsenceofhighwindsrendersitalmostunnoticeable。
Wecampedthatnightatthefootofthehillswehadbeenapproachingfortwodaysandwhichmarkedthesouthernboundaryofthisparticularsea。Ouranimalshadbeentwodayswithoutdrink，norhadtheyhadwaterfornearlytwomonths，notsinceshortlyafterleavingThark；but，asTarsTarkasexplainedtome，theyrequirebutlittleandcanlivealmostindefinitelyuponthemosswhichcoversBarsoom，andwhich，hetoldme，holdsinitstinystemssufficientmoisturetomeetthelimiteddemandsoftheanimals。
Afterpartakingofmyeveningmealofcheese-likefoodandvegetablemilkIsoughtoutSola，whomIfoundworkingbythelightofatorchuponsomeofTarsTarkas'trappings。
Shelookedupatmyapproach，herfacelightingwithpleasureandwithwelcome。
"Iamgladyoucame，"shesaid；"DejahThorissleepsandIamlonely。Mineownpeopledonotcareforme，JohnCarter；
Iamtoounlikethem。Itisasadfate，sinceImustlivemylifeamongstthem，andIoftenwishthatIwereatruegreenMartianwoman，withoutloveandwithouthope；butI
haveknownloveandsoIamlost。
"Ipromisedtotellyoumystory，orratherthestoryofmyparents。FromwhatIhavelearnedofyouandthewaysofyourpeopleIamsurethatthetalewillnotseemstrangetoyou，butamonggreenMartiansithasnoparallelwithinthememoryoftheoldestlivingThark，nordoourlegendsholdmanysimilartales。
"Mymotherwasrathersmall，infacttoosmalltobeallowedtheresponsibilitiesofmaternity，asourchieftainsbreedprincipallyforsize。ShewasalsolesscoldandcruelthanmostgreenMartianwomen，andcaringlittlefortheirsociety，sheoftenroamedthedesertedavenuesofTharkalone，orwentandsatamongthewildflowersthatdeckthenearbyhills，thinkingthoughtsandwishingwisheswhichIbelieveIaloneamongTharkianwomentodaymayunderstand，foramInotthechildofmymother？
"Andthereamongthehillsshemetayoungwarrior，whosedutyitwastoguardthefeedingzitidarsandthoatsandseethattheyroamednotbeyondthehills。TheyspokeatfirstonlyofsuchthingsasinterestacommunityofTharks，butgradually，astheycametomeetmoreoften，and，aswasnowquiteevidenttoboth，nolongerbychance，theytalkedaboutthemselves，theirlikes，theirambitionsandtheirhopes。
Shetrustedhimandtoldhimoftheawfulrepugnanceshefeltforthecrueltiesoftheirkind，forthehideous，lovelesslivestheymusteverlead，andthenshewaitedforthestormofdenunciationtobreakfromhiscold，hardlips；butinsteadhetookherinhisarmsandkissedher。
"Theykepttheirloveasecretforsixlongyears。She，mymother，wasoftheretinueofthegreatTalHajus，whileherloverwasasimplewarrior，wearingonlyhisownmetal。
HadtheirdefectionfromthetraditionsoftheTharksbeendiscoveredbothwouldhavepaidthepenaltyinthegreatarenabeforeTalHajusandtheassembledhordes。
"TheeggfromwhichIcamewashiddenbeneathagreatglassvesseluponthehighestandmostinaccessibleofthepartiallyruinedtowersofancientThark。Onceeachyearmymothervisiteditforthefivelongyearsitlaythereintheprocessofincubation。Shedarednotcomeoftener，forinthemightyguiltofherconscienceshefearedthathereverymovewaswatched。Duringthisperiodmyfathergainedgreatdistinctionasawarriorandhadtakenthemetalfromseveralchieftains。Hisloveformymotherhadneverdiminished，andhisownambitioninlifewastoreachapointwherehemightwrestthemetalfromTalHajushimself，andthus，asruleroftheTharks，befreetoclaimherashisown，aswellas，bythemightofhispower，protectthechildwhichotherwisewouldbequicklydispatchedshouldthetruthbecomeknown。
"Itwasawilddream，thatofwrestingthemetalfromTalHajusinfiveshortyears，buthisadvancewasrapid，andhesoonstoodhighinthecouncilsofThark。Butonedaythechancewaslostforever，insofarasitcouldcomeintimetosavehislovedones，forhewasorderedawayuponalongexpeditiontotheice-cladsouth，tomakewaruponthenativesthereanddespoilthemoftheirfurs，forsuchisthemannerofthegreenBarsoomian；hedoesnotlaborforwhathecanwrestinbattlefromothers。
"Hewasgoneforfouryears，andwhenhereturnedallhadbeenoverforthree；foraboutayearafterhisdeparture，andshortlybeforethetimeforthereturnofanexpeditionwhichhadgoneforthtofetchthefruitsofacommunityincubator，theegghadhatched。Thereaftermymothercontinuedtokeepmeintheoldtower，visitingmenightlyandlavishinguponmethelovethecommunitylifewouldhaverobbedusbothof。Shehoped，uponthereturnoftheexpeditionfromtheincubator，tomixmewiththeotheryoungassignedtothequartersofTalHajus，andthusescapethefatewhichwouldsurelyfollowdiscoveryofhersinagainsttheancienttraditionsofthegreenmen。
"Shetaughtmerapidlythelanguageandcustomsofmykind，andonenightshetoldmethestoryIhavetoldtoyouuptothispoint，impressinguponmethenecessityforabsolutesecrecyandthegreatcautionImustexerciseaftershehadplacedmewiththeotheryoungTharkstopermitnoonetoguessthatIwasfurtheradvancedineducationthanthey，norbyanysigntodivulgeinthepresenceofothersmyaffectionforher，ormyknowledgeofmyparentage；andthendrawingmeclosetohershewhisperedinmyearthenameofmyfather。
"Andthenalightflashedoutuponthedarknessofthetowerchamber，andtherestoodSarkoja，hergleaming，balefuleyesfixedinafrenzyofloathingandcontemptuponmymother。Thetorrentofhatredandabuseshepouredoutuponherturnedmyyoungheartcoldinterror。
Thatshehadheardtheentirestorywasapparent，andthatshehadsuspectedsomethingwrongfrommymother'slongnightlyabsencesfromherquartersaccountedforherpresencethereonthatfatefulnight。
"Onethingshehadnotheard，nordidsheknow，thewhisperednameofmyfather。Thiswasapparentfromherrepeateddemandsuponmymothertodisclosethenameofherpartnerinsin，butnoamountofabuseorthreatscouldwringthisfromher，andtosavemefromneedlesstortureshelied，forshetoldSarkojathatshealoneknewnorwouldsheeventellherchild。
"Withfinalimprecations，SarkojahastenedawaytoTalHajustoreportherdiscovery，andwhileshewasgonemymother，wrappingmeinthesilksandfursofhernightcoverings，sothatIwasscarcelynoticeable，descendedtothestreetsandranwildlyawaytowardtheoutskirtsofthecity，inthedirectionwhichledtothefarsouth，outtowardthemanwhoseprotectionshemightnotclaim，butonwhosefaceshewishedtolookoncemorebeforeshedied。
"Aswenearedthecity'ssouthernextremityasoundcametousfromacrossthemossyflat，fromthedirectionoftheonlypassthroughthehillswhichledtothegates，thepassbywhichcaravansfromeithernorthorsouthoreastorwestwouldenterthecity。Thesoundsweheardwerethesquealingofthoatsandthegrumblingofzitidars，withtheoccasionalclankofarmswhichannouncedtheapproachofabodyofwarriors。Thethoughtuppermostinhermindwasthatitwasmyfatherreturnedfromhisexpedition，butthecunningoftheTharkheldherfromheadlongandprecipitateflighttogreethim。
"Retreatingintotheshadowsofadoorwaysheawaitedthecomingofthecavalcadewhichshortlyenteredtheavenue，breakingitsformationandthrongingthethoroughfarefromwalltowall。Astheheadoftheprocessionpassedusthelessermoonswungclearoftheoverhangingroofsandlitupthescenewithallthebrilliancyofherwondrouslight。
Mymothershrankfurtherbackintothefriendlyshadows，andfromherhidingplacesawthattheexpeditionwasnotthatofmyfather，butthereturningcaravanbearingtheyoungTharks。Instantlyherplanwasformed，andasagreatchariotswungclosetoourhidingplacesheslippedstealthilyinuponthetrailingtailboard，crouchinglowintheshadowofthehighside，strainingmetoherbosominafrenzyoflove。
"Sheknew，whatIdidnot，thatneveragainafterthatnightwouldsheholdmetoherbreast，norwasitlikelywewouldeverlookuponeachother'sfaceagain。Intheconfusionoftheplazashemixedmewiththeotherchildren，whoseguardiansduringthejourneywerenowfreetorelinquishtheirresponsibility。Wewereherdedtogetherintoagreatroom，fedbywomenwhohadnotaccompaniedtheexpedition，andthenextdaywewereparceledoutamongtheretinuesofthechieftains。
"Ineversawmymotherafterthatnight。ShewasimprisonedbyTalHajus，andeveryeffort，includingthemosthorribleandshamefultorture，wasbroughttobearuponhertowringfromherlipsthenameofmyfather；butsheremainedsteadfastandloyal，dyingatlastamidstthelaughterofTalHajusandhischieftainsduringsomeawfultortureshewasundergoing。
"Ilearnedafterwardsthatshetoldthemthatshehadkilledmetosavemefromalikefateattheirhands，andthatshehadthrownmybodytothewhiteapes。Sarkojaalonedisbelievedher，andIfeeltothisdaythatshesuspectsmytrueorigin，butdoesnotdareexposeme，atthepresent，atallevents，becauseshealsoguesses，Iamsure，theidentityofmyfather。
"Whenhereturnedfromhisexpeditionandlearnedthestoryofmymother'sfateIwaspresentasTalHajustoldhim；
butneverbythequiverofamuscledidhebetraytheslightestemotion；onlyhedidnotlaughasTalHajusgleefullydescribedherdeathstruggles。Fromthatmomentonhewasthecruelestofthecruel，andIamawaitingthedaywhenheshallwinthegoalofhisambition，andfeelthecarcassofTalHajusbeneathhisfoot，forIamassurethathebutwaitstheopportunitytowreakaterriblevengeance，andthathisgreatloveisasstronginhisbreastaswhenitfirsttransfiguredhimnearlyfortyyearsago，asIamthatwesithereupontheedgeofaworld-oldoceanwhilesensiblepeoplesleep，JohnCarter。”
"Andyourfather，Sola，ishewithusnow？"Iasked。
"Yes，"shereplied，"buthedoesnotknowmeforwhatI
am，nordoesheknowwhobetrayedmymothertoTalHajus。
Ialoneknowmyfather'sname，andonlyIandTalHajusandSarkojaknowthatitwasshewhocarriedthetalethatbroughtdeathandtortureuponherheloved。”
Wesatsilentforafewmoments，shewrappedinthegloomythoughtsofherterriblepast，andIinpityforthepoorcreatureswhomtheheartless，senselesscustomsoftheirracehaddoomedtolovelesslivesofcrueltyandofhate。
Presentlyshespoke。
"JohnCarter，ifeverarealmanwalkedthecold，deadbosomofBarsoomyouareone。IknowthatIcantrustyou，andbecausetheknowledgemaysomedayhelpyouorhimorDejahThorisormyself，Iamgoingtotellyouthenameofmyfather，norplaceanyrestrictionsorconditionsuponyourtongue。Whenthetimecomes，speakthetruthifitseemsbesttoyou。ItrustyoubecauseIknowthatyouarenotcursedwiththeterribletraitofabsoluteandunswervingtruthfulness，thatyoucouldlielikeoneofyourownVirginiagentlemenifaliewouldsaveothersfromsorroworsuffering。
Myfather'snameisTarsTarkas。”
CHAPTERXVI
WEPLANESCAPE
TheremainderofourjourneytoTharkwasuneventful。
Weweretwentydaysupontheroad，crossingtwoseabottomsandpassingthroughoraroundanumberofruinedcities，mostlysmallerthanKorad。TwicewecrossedthefamousMartianwaterways，orcanals，so-calledbyourearthlyastronomers。Whenweapproachedthesepointsawarriorwouldbesentfaraheadwithapowerfulfieldglass，andifnogreatbodyofredMartiantroopswasinsightwewouldadvanceascloseaspossiblewithoutchanceofbeingseenandthencampuntildark，whenwewouldslowlyapproachthecultivatedtract，and，locatingoneofthenumerous，broadhighwayswhichcrosstheseareasatregularintervals，creepsilentlyandstealthilyacrosstothearidlandsupontheotherside。Itrequiredfivehourstomakeoneofthesecrossingswithoutasinglehalt，andtheotherconsumedtheentirenight，sothatwewerejustleavingtheconfinesofthehigh-walledfieldswhenthesunbrokeoutuponus。
Crossinginthedarkness，aswedid，Iwasunabletoseebutlittle，exceptasthenearermoon，inherwildandceaselesshurtlingthroughtheBarsoomianheavens，lituplittlepatchesofthelandscapefromtimetotime，disclosingwalledfieldsandlow，ramblingbuildings，presentingmuchtheappearanceofearthlyfarms。Thereweremanytrees，methodicallyarranged，andsomeofthemwereofenormousheight；
therewereanimalsinsomeoftheenclosures，andtheyannouncedtheirpresencebyterrifiedsquealingsandsnortingsastheyscentedourqueer，wildbeastsandwilderhumanbeings。
OnlyoncedidIperceiveahumanbeing，andthatwasattheintersectionofourcrossroadwiththewide，whiteturnpikewhichcutseachcultivateddistrictlongitudinallyatitsexactcenter。Thefellowmusthavebeensleepingbesidetheroad，for，asIcameabreastofhim，heraisedupononeelbowandafterasingleglanceattheapproachingcaravanleapedshriekingtohisfeetandfledmadlydowntheroad，scalinganearbywallwiththeagilityofascaredcat。
TheTharkspaidhimnottheslightestattention；theywerenotoutuponthewarpath，andtheonlysignthatIhadthattheyhadseenhimwasaquickeningofthepaceofthecaravanaswehastenedtowardtheborderingdesertwhichmarkedourentranceintotherealmofTalHajus。
NotoncedidIhavespeechwithDejahThoris，asshesentnowordtomethatIwouldbewelcomeatherchariot，andmyfoolishpridekeptmefrommakinganyadvances。
Iverilybelievethataman'swaywithwomenisininverseratiotohisprowessamongmen。Theweaklingandthesapheadhaveoftengreatabilitytocharmthefairsex，whilethefightingmanwhocanfaceathousandrealdangersunafraid，sitshidingintheshadowslikesomefrightenedchild。
JustthirtydaysaftermyadventuponBarsoomweenteredtheancientcityofThark，fromwhoselong-forgottenpeoplethishordeofgreenmenhavestoleneventheirname。
ThehordesofTharknumbersomethirtythousandsouls，andaredividedintotwenty-fivecommunities。Eachcommunityhasitsownjedandlesserchieftains，butallareundertheruleofTalHajus，JeddakofThark。FivecommunitiesmaketheirheadquartersatthecityofThark，andthebalancearescatteredamongotherdesertedcitiesofancientMarsthroughoutthedistrictclaimedbyTalHajus。
Wemadeourentryintothegreatcentralplazaearlyintheafternoon。Therewerenoenthusiasticfriendlygreetingsforthereturnedexpedition。Thosewhochancedtobeinsightspokethenamesofwarriorsorwomenwithwhomtheycameindirectcontact，intheformalgreetingoftheirkind，butwhenitwasdiscoveredthattheybroughttwocaptivesagreaterinterestwasaroused，andDejahThorisandIwerethecentersofinquiringgroups。
Weweresoonassignedtonewquarters，andthebalanceofthedaywasdevotedtosettlingourselvestothechangedconditions。Myhomenowwasuponanavenueleadingintotheplazafromthesouth，themainarterydownwhichwehadmarchedfromthegatesofthecity。Iwasatthefarendofthesquareandhadanentirebuildingtomyself。ThesamegrandeurofarchitecturewhichwassonoticeableacharacteristicofKoradwasinevidencehere，only，ifthatwerepossible，onalargerandricherscale。Myquarterswouldhavebeensuitableforhousingthegreatestofearthlyemperors，buttothesequeercreaturesnothingaboutabuildingappealedtothembutitssizeandtheenormityofitschambers；
thelargerthebuilding，themoredesirable；andsoTalHajusoccupiedwhatmusthavebeenanenormouspublicbuilding，thelargestinthecity，butentirelyunfittedforresidencepurposes；
thenextlargestwasreservedforLorquasPtomel，thenextforthejedofalesserrank，andsoontothebottomofthelistoffivejeds。
Thewarriorsoccupiedthebuildingswiththechieftainstowhoseretinuestheybelonged；or，iftheypreferred，soughtshelteramonganyofthethousandsofuntenantedbuildingsintheirownquarteroftown；eachcommunitybeingassignedacertainsectionofthecity。Theselectionofbuildinghadtobemadeinaccordancewiththesedivisions，exceptinsofarasthejedswereconcerned，theyalloccupyingedificeswhichfrontedupontheplaza。
WhenIhadfinallyputmyhouseinorder，orratherseenthatithadbeendone，itwasnearingsunset，andIhastenedoutwiththeintentionoflocatingSolaandhercharges，asIhaddetermineduponhavingspeechwithDejahThorisandtryingtoimpressonherthenecessityofouratleastpatchingupatruceuntilIcouldfindsomewayofaidinghertoescape。IsearchedinvainuntiltheupperrimofthegreatredsunwasjustdisappearingbehindthehorizonandthenIspiedtheuglyheadofWoolapeeringfromasecond-
storywindowontheoppositesideoftheverystreetwhereIwasquartered，butnearertheplaza。
WithoutwaitingforafurtherinvitationIboltedupthewindingrunwaywhichledtothesecondfloor，andenteringagreatchamberatthefrontofthebuildingwasgreetedbythefrenziedWoola，whothrewhisgreatcarcassuponme，nearlyhurlingmetothefloor；thepooroldfellowwassogladtoseemethatIthoughthewoulddevourme，hisheadsplitfromeartoear，showinghisthreerowsoftusksinhishobgoblinsmile。
Quietinghimwithawordofcommandandacaress，I
lookedhurriedlythroughtheapproachinggloomforasignofDejahThoris，andthen，notseeingher，Icalledhername。
Therewasanansweringmurmurfromthefarcorneroftheapartment，andwithacoupleofquickstridesIwasstandingbesideherwhereshecrouchedamongthefursandsilksuponanancientcarvedwoodenseat。AsIwaitedsherosetoherfullheightandlookingmestraightintheeyesaid:
"WhatwouldDotarSojat，Thark，ofDejahThorishiscaptive？"
"DejahThoris，IdonotknowhowIhaveangeredyou。
Itwasfurtherestfrommydesiretohurtoroffendyou，whomIhadhopedtoprotectandcomfort。Havenoneofmeifitisyourwill，butthatyoumustaidmeineffectingyourescape，ifsuchathingbepossible，isnotmyrequest，butmycommand。Whenyouaresafeoncemoreatyourfather'scourtyoumaydowithmeasyouplease，butfromnowonuntilthatdayIamyourmaster，andyoumustobeyandaidme。”
ShelookedatmelongandearnestlyandIthoughtthatshewassofteningtowardme。
"Iunderstandyourwords，DotarSojat，"shereplied，"butyouIdonotunderstand。Youareaqueermixtureofchildandman，ofbruteandnoble。IonlywishthatImightreadyourheart。”
"Lookdownatyourfeet，DejahThoris；itliestherenowwhereithaslainsincethatothernightatKorad，andwhereitwilleverliebeatingaloneforyouuntildeathstillsitforever。”
Shetookalittlesteptowardme，herbeautifulhandsoutstretchedinastrange，gropinggesture。
"Whatdoyoumean，JohnCarter？"shewhispered。
"Whatareyousayingtome？"
"IamsayingwhatIhadpromisedmyselfthatIwouldnotsaytoyou，atleastuntilyouwerenolongeracaptiveamongthegreenmen；whatfromyourattitudetowardmeforthepasttwentydaysIhadthoughtnevertosaytoyou；
Iamsaying，DejahThoris，thatIamyours，bodyandsoul，toserveyou，tofightforyou，andtodieforyou。OnlyonethingIaskofyouinreturn，andthatisthatyoumakenosign，eitherofcondemnationorofapprobationofmywordsuntilyouaresafeamongyourownpeople，andthatwhateversentimentsyouharbortowardmetheybenotinfluencedorcoloredbygratitude；whateverImaydotoserveyouwillbepromptedsolelyfromselfishmotives，sinceitgivesmemorepleasuretoserveyouthannot。”
"Iwillrespectyourwishes，JohnCarter，becauseI
understandthemotiveswhichpromptthem，andIacceptyourservicenomorewillinglythanIbowtoyourauthority；
yourwordshallbemylaw。IhavetwicewrongedyouinmythoughtsandagainIaskyourforgiveness。”
FurtherconversationofapersonalnaturewaspreventedbytheentranceofSola，whowasmuchagitatedandwhollyunlikeherusualcalmandpossessedself。
"ThathorribleSarkojahasbeenbeforeTalHajus，"shecried，"andfromwhatIheardupontheplazathereislittlehopeforeitherofyou。”