Runningalongbendinglimbs，swingingfromonetreetoanother，theape-manracedthroughthemiddleterracestowardthesoundswhichnowhadriseninvolumetodeafeningproportions。FromalldirectionstheapesofKerchakwerehurryinginresponsetotheappealinthetonesofthebaluanditsmother，andastheycame，theirroarsreverberatedthroughtheforest。
　　ButTarzan，swifterthanhisheavyfellows，distancedthemall。
　　Itwashewhowasfirstuponthescene。Whathesawsentacoldchillthroughhisgiantframe，fortheenemywasthemosthatedandloathedofallthejunglecreatures。
　　TwinedinagreattreewasHistah，thesnake——huge，ponderous，slimy——andinthefoldsofitsdeadlyembracewasTeeka’slittlebalu，Gazan。NothinginthejungleinspiredwithinthebreastofTarzansonearasemblancetofearasdidthehideousHistah。Theapes，too，loathedtheterrifyingreptileandfearedhimevenmorethantheydidSheeta，thepanther，orNuma，thelion。OfalltheirenemiestherewasnonetheygaveawiderberththantheygaveHistah，thesnake。
　　TarzanknewthatTeekawaspeculiarlyfearfulofthissilent，repulsivefoe，andasthescenebrokeuponhisvision，itwastheactionofTeekawhichfilledhimwiththegreatestwonder，foratthemomentthathesawher，theshe-apeleapedupontheglisteningbodyofthesnake，andasthemightyfoldsencircledheraswellasheroffspring，shemadenoefforttoescape，butinsteadgraspedthewrithingbodyinafutileefforttotearitfromherscreamingbalu。
　　Tarzanknewalltoowellhowdeep-rootedwasTeeka’sterrorofHistah。Hescarcecouldbelievethetestimonyofhisowneyesthen，whentheytoldhimthatshehadvoluntarilyrushedintothatdeadlyembrace。NorwasTeeka’sinnatedreadofthemonstermuchgreaterthanTarzan’sown。
　　Never，willingly，hadhetouchedasnake。Why，hecouldnotsay，forhewouldadmitfearofnothing；norwasitfear，butratheraninherentrepulsionbequeathedtohimbymanygenerationsofcivilizedancestors，andbackofthem，perhaps，bycountlessmyriadsofsuchasTeeka，inthebreastsofeachofwhichhadlurkedthesamenamelessterroroftheslimyreptile。
　　YetTarzandidnothesitatemorethanhadTeeka，butleapeduponHistahwithallthespeedandimpetuositythathewouldhaveshownhadhebeenspringinguponBara，thedeer，tomakeakillforfood。Thusbesetthesnakewrithedandtwistedhorribly；butnotforaninstantdiditlooseitsholduponanyofitsintendedvictims，forithadincludedtheape-maninitscoldembracetheminutethathehadfallenuponit。
　　Stillclingingtothetree，themightyreptileheldthethreeasthoughtheyhadbeenwithoutweight，thewhileitsoughttocrushthelifefromthem。
　　Tarzanhaddrawnhisknifeandthishenowplungedrapidlyintothebodyoftheenemy；buttheencirclingfoldspromisedtosaphislifebeforehehadinflictedadeathwounduponthesnake。Yetonhefought，noroncedidheseektoescapethehorriddeaththatconfrontedhim——hissoleaimwastoslayHistahandthusfreeTeekaandherbalu。
　　Thegreat，wide-gapingjawsofthesnaketurnedandhoveredabovehim。Theelasticmaw，whichcouldaccommodatearabbitorahornedbuckwithequalfacility，yawnedforhim；
　　butHistah，inturninghisattentionupontheape-man，broughthisheadwithinreachofTarzan’sblade。Instantlyabrownhandleapedforthandseizedthemottledneck，andanotherdrovetheheavyhuntingknifetothehiltintothelittlebrain。
　　ConvulsivelyHistahshudderedandrelaxed，tensedandrelaxedagain，whippingandstrikingwithhisgreatbody；
　　butnolongersentientorsensible。Histahwasdead，butinhisdeaththroeshemighteasilydispatchadozenapesormen。
　　QuicklyTarzanseizedTeekaanddraggedherfromtheloosenedembrace，droppinghertothegroundbeneath，thenheextricatedthebaluandtossedittoitsmother。
　　StillHistahwhippedabout，clingingtotheape-man；
　　butafteradozeneffortsTarzansucceededinwrigglingfreeandleapingtothegroundoutofrangeofthemightybatteringofthedyingsnake。
　　Acircleofapessurroundedthesceneofthebattle；
　　butthemomentthatTarzanbrokesafelyfromtheenemytheyturnedsilentlyawaytoresumetheirinterruptedfeeding，andTeekaturnedwiththem，apparentlyforgetfulofallbutherbaluandthefactthatwhentheinterruptionhadoccurredshejusthaddiscoveredaningeniouslyhiddennestcontainingthreeperfectlygoodeggs。
　　Tarzan，equallyindifferenttoabattlethatwasover，merelycastapartingglanceatthestillwrithingbodyofHistahandwanderedofftowardthelittlepoolwhichservedtowaterthetribeatthispoint。
　　Strangely，hedidnotgivethevictorycryoverthevanquishedHistah。Why，hecouldnothavetoldyou，otherthanthattohimHistahwasnotananimal。
　　Hedifferedinsomepeculiarwayfromtheotherdenizensofthejungle。Tarzanonlyknewthathehatedhim。
　　AtthepoolTarzandrankhisfillandlaystretcheduponthesoftgrassbeneaththeshadeofatree。
　　HismindrevertedtothebattlewithHistah，thesnake。
　　ItseemedstrangetohimthatTeekashouldhaveplacedherselfwithinthefoldsofthehorridmonster。
　　Whyhadshedoneit？Why，indeed，hadhe？Teekadidnotbelongtohim，nordidTeeka’sbalu。TheywerebothTaug’s。Whythenhadhedonethisthing？Histahwasnotfoodforhimwhenhewasdead。ThereseemedtoTarzan，nowthathegavethematterthought，noreasonintheworldwhyheshouldhavedonethethinghedid，andpresentlyitoccurredtohimthathehadactedalmostinvoluntarily，justashehadactedwhenhehadreleasedtheoldGomanganithepreviousevening。
　　Whatmadehimdosuchthings？Somebodymorepowerfulthanhemustforcehimtoactattimes。"All-powerful，"thoughtTarzan。
　　"ThelittlebugssaythatGodisall-powerful。ItmustbethatGodmademedothesethings，forIneverdidthembymyself。ItwasGodwhomadeTeekarushuponHistah。
　　TeekawouldnevergonearHistahofherownvolition。
　　ItwasGodwhoheldmyknifefromthethroatoftheoldGomangani。Godaccomplishesstrangethingsforheis’all-powerful。’IcannotseeHim；butIknowthatitmustbeGodwhodoesthesethings。NoMangani，noGomangani，noTarmanganicoulddothem。"
　　Andtheflowers——whomadethemgrow？Ah，nowitwasallexplained——theflowers，thetrees，themoon，thesun，himself，everylivingcreatureinthejungle——theywereallmadebyGodoutofnothing。
　　AndwhatwasGod？WhatdidGodlooklike？Ofthathehadnoconception；buthewassurethateverythingthatwasgoodcamefromGod。Hisgoodactinrefrainingfromslayingthepoor，defenselessoldGomangani；Teeka’slovethathadhurledherintotheembraceofdeath；hisownloyaltytoTeekawhichhadjeopardizedhislifethatshemightlive。
　　Theflowersandthetreesweregoodandbeautiful。
　　Godhadmadethem。Hemadetheothercreatures，too，thateachmighthavefooduponwhichtolive。
　　HehadmadeSheeta，thepanther，withhisbeautifulcoat；
　　andNuma，thelion，withhisnobleheadandhisshaggymane。
　　HehadmadeBara，thedeer，lovelyandgraceful。
　　Yes，TarzanhadfoundGod，andhespentthewholedayinattributingtoHimallofthegoodandbeautifulthingsofnature；buttherewasonethingwhichtroubledhim。
　　Hecouldnotquitereconcileittohisconceptionofhisnew-foundGod。
　　WhomadeHistah，thesnake？
　　5
　　TarzanandtheBlackBoyTARZANOFTHEApessatatthefootofagreattreebraidinganewgrassrope。Besidehimlaythefrayedremnantsoftheoldone，tornandseveredbythefangsandtalonsofSheeta，thepanther。Onlyhalftheoriginalropewasthere，thebalancehavingbeencarriedoffbytheangrycatasheboundedawaythroughthejunglewiththenoosestillabouthissavageneckandthelooseenddraggingamongtheunderbrush。
　　TarzansmiledasherecalledSheeta’sgreatrage，hisfranticeffortstofreehimselffromtheentanglingstrands，hisuncannyscreamsthatwereparthate，partanger，partterror。Hesmiledinretrospectionatthediscomfitureofhisenemy，andinanticipationofanotherdayasheaddedanextrastrandtohisnewrope。
　　Thiswouldbethestrongest，theheaviestropethatTarzanoftheApeseverhadfashioned。VisionsofNuma，thelion，strainingfutilelyinitsembracethrilledtheape-man。Hewasquitecontent，forhishandsandhisbrainwerebusy。
　　Content，too，werehisfellowsofthetribeofKerchak，searchingforfoodintheclearingandthesurroundingtreesabouthim。Noperplexingthoughtsofthefutureburdenedtheirminds，andonlyoccasionally，dimlyaroserecollectionsofthenearpast。Theywerestimulatedtoaspeciesofbrutalcontentbythedelectablebusinessoffillingtheirbellies。Afterwardtheywouldsleep——itwastheirlife，andtheyenjoyeditasweenjoyours，youandI——asTarzanenjoyedhis。Possiblytheyenjoyedtheirsmorethanweenjoyours，forwhoshallsaythatthebeastsofthejungledonotbetterfulfillthepurposesforwhichtheyarecreatedthandoesmanwithhismanyexcursionsintostrangefieldsandhiscontraventionsofthelawsofnature？Andwhatgivesgreatercontentandgreaterhappinessthanthefulfillingofadestiny？
　　AsTarzanworked，Gazan，Teeka’slittlebalu，playedabouthimwhileTeekasoughtfoodupontheoppositesideoftheclearing。NomoredidTeeka，themother，orTaug，thesullensire，harborsuspicionsofTarzan’sintentionstowardtheirfirst-born。HadhenotcourteddeathtosavetheirGazanfromthefangsandtalonsofSheeta？DidhenotfondleandcuddlethelittleonewithevenasgreatashowofaffectionasTeekaherselfdisplayed？TheirfearswereallayedandTarzannowfoundhimselfoftenintheroleofnursemaidtoatinyanthropoid——anavocationwhichhefoundbynomeansirksome，sinceGazanwasanever-failingfountofsurprisesandentertainment。
　　Justnowtheapelingwasdevelopingthosearborealtendencieswhichweretostandhiminsuchgoodsteadduringtheyearsofhisyouth，whenrapidflightintotheupperterraceswasoffarmoreimportanceandvaluethanhisundevelopedmusclesanduntriedfightingfangs。
　　BackingofffifteenortwentyfeetfromtheboleofthetreebeneaththebranchesofwhichTarzanworkeduponhisrope，Gazanscamperedquicklyforward，scramblingnimblyupwardtothelowerlimbs。Herehewouldsquatforamomentortwo，quiteproudofhisachievement，thenclambertothegroundagainandrepeat。Sometimes，quiteofteninfact，forhewasanape，hisattentionwasdistractedbyotherthings，abeetle，acaterpillar，atinyfieldmouse，andoffhewouldgoinpursuit；thecaterpillarshealwayscaught，andsometimesthebeetles；butthefieldmice，never。
　　NowhediscoveredthetailoftheropeuponwhichTarzanwasworking。Graspingitinonesmallhandhebouncedaway，foralltheworldlikeananimatedrubberball，snatchingitfromtheape-man’shandandrunningoffacrosstheclearing。
　　Tarzanleapedtohisfeetandwasinpursuitinaninstant，notraceofangeronhisfaceorinhisvoiceashecalledtotheroguishlittlebalutodrophisrope。
　　StraighttowardhismotherracedGazan，andafterhimcameTarzan。Teekalookedupfromherfeeding，andinthefirstinstantthatsherealizedthatGazanwasfleeingandthatanotherwasinpursuit，shebaredherfangsandbristled；
　　butwhenshesawthatthepursuerwasTarzansheturnedbacktothebusinessthathadbeenoccupyingherattention。
　　Atherveryfeettheape-manoverhauledthebaluand，thoughtheyoungstersquealedandfoughtwhenTarzanseizedhim，Teekaonlyglancedcasuallyintheirdirection。
　　Nolongerdidshefearharmtoherfirst-bornatthehandsoftheape-man。HadhenotsavedGazanontwooccasions？
　　Rescuinghisrope，Tarzanreturnedtohistreeandresumedhislabor；butthereafteritwasnecessarytowatchcarefullytheplayfulbalu，whowasnowpossessedtostealitwheneverhethoughthisgreat，smooth-skinnedcousinwasmomentarilyoffhisguard。
　　ButevenunderthishandicapTarzanfinallycompletedtherope，along，pliantweapon，strongerthananyheeverhadmadebefore。ThediscardedpieceofhisformeronehegavetoGazanforaplaything，forTarzanhaditinhismindtoinstructTeeka’sbaluafterideasofhisownwhentheyoungstershouldbeoldandstrongenoughtoprofitbyhisprecepts。Atpresentthelittleape’sinnateaptitudeformimicrywouldbesufficienttofamiliarizehimwithTarzan’swaysandweapons，andsotheape-manswungoffintothejungle，hisnewropecoiledoveroneshoulder，whilelittleGazanhoppedabouttheclearingdraggingtheoldoneafterhiminchildishglee。
　　AsTarzantraveled，dividinghisquestforfoodwithoneforasufficientlynoblequarrywhereupontotesthisnewweapon，hismindoftenwasuponGazan。Theape-manhadrealizedadeepaffectionforTeeka’sbalualmostfromthefirst，partlybecausethechildbelongedtoTeeka，hisfirstlove，andpartlyforthelittleape’sownsake，andTarzan’shumanlongingforsomesentientcreatureuponwhichtoexpendthosenaturalaffectionsofthesoulwhichareinherenttoallnormalmembersoftheGENUS
　　HOMO。TarzanenviedTeeka。ItwastruethatGazanevidencedaconsiderablereciprocationofTarzan’sfondnessforhim，evenpreferringhimtohisownsurlysire；
　　buttoTeekathelittleoneturnedwheninpainorterror，whentiredorhungry。ThenitwasthatTarzanfeltquitealoneintheworldandlongeddesperatelyforonewhoshouldturnfirsttohimforsuccorandprotection。
　　TaughadTeeka；TeekahadGazan；andnearlyeveryotherbullandcowofthetribeofKerchakhadoneormoretoloveandbywhomtobeloved。OfcourseTarzancouldscarcelyformulatethethoughtinpreciselythisway——heonlyknewthathecravedsomethingwhichwasdeniedhim；
　　somethingwhichseemedtoberepresentedbythoserelationswhichexistedbetweenTeekaandherbalu，andsoheenviedTeekaandlongedforabaluofhisown。
　　HesawSheetaandhismatewiththeirlittlefamilyofthree；
　　anddeeperinlandtowardtherockyhills，whereonemightlieupduringtheheatoftheday，inthedenseshadeofatangledthicketcloseunderthecoolfaceofanoverhangingrock，TarzanhadfoundthelairofNuma，thelion，andofSabor，thelioness。Herehehadwatchedthemwiththeirlittlebalus——playfulcreatures，spottedleopard-like。AndhehadseentheyoungfawnwithBara，thedeer，andwithButo，therhinoceros，itsungainlylittleone。Eachofthecreaturesofthejunglehaditsown——exceptTarzan。
　　Itmadetheape-mansadtothinkuponthisthing，sadandlonely；butpresentlythescentofgameclearedhisyoungmindofallotherconsiderations，ascatlikehecrawledfaroutuponabendinglimbabovethegametrailwhichleddowntotheancientwateringplaceofthewildthingsofthiswildworld。
　　Howmanythousandsoftimeshadthisgreat，oldlimbbenttothesavageformofsomeblood-thirstyhunterinthelongyearsthatithadspreaditsleafybranchesabovethedeep-wornjunglepath！Tarzan，theape-man，Sheeta，thepanther，andHistah，thesnake，itknewwell。
　　Theyhadwornsmooththebarkuponitsuppersurface。
　　TodayitwasHorta，theboar，whichcamedowntowardthewatcherintheoldtree——Horta，theboar，whoseformidabletusksanddiabolicaltemperpreservedhimfromallbutthemostferociousormostfamishedofthelargestcarnivora。
　　ButtoTarzan，meatwasmeat；naughtthatwasedibleortastymightpassahungryTarzanunchallengedandunattacked。
　　Inhunger，asinbattle，theape-manout-savagedthedreariestdenizensofthejungle。Heknewneitherfearnormercy，exceptuponrareoccasionswhensomestrange，inexplicableforcestayedhishand——aforceinexplicabletohim，perhaps，becauseofhisignoranceofhisownoriginandofalltheforcesofhumanitarianismandcivilizationthatwerehisrightfulheritagebecauseofthatorigin。
　　Sotoday，insteadofstayinghishanduntilalessformidablefeastfounditswaytowardhim，TarzandroppedhisnewnooseabouttheneckofHorta，theboar。
　　Itwasanexcellenttestfortheuntriedstrands。
　　Theangeredboarboltedthiswayandthat；buteachtimethenewropeheldhimwhereTarzanhadmadeitfastaboutthestemofthetreeabovethebranchfromwhichhehadcastit。
　　AsHortagruntedandcharged，slashingthesturdyjunglepatriarchwithhismightytusksuntilthebarkflewineverydirection，Tarzandroppedtothegroundbehindhim。
　　Intheape-man’shandwasthelong，keenbladethathadbeenhisconstantcompanionsincethatdistantdayuponwhichchancehaddirecteditspointintothebodyofBolgani，thegorilla，andsavedthetornandbleedingman-childfromwhatelsehadbeencertaindeath。
　　TarzanwalkedintowardHorta，whoswungnowtofacehisenemy。Mightyandmuscledaswastheyounggiant，ityetwouldhaveappearedbutthemaddestfollyforhimtofacesoformidableacreatureasHorta，theboar，armedonlywithaslenderhuntingknife。SoitwouldhaveseemedtoonewhoknewHortaevenslightlyandTarzannotatall。
　　ForamomentHortastoodmotionlessfacingtheape-man。
　　Hiswicked，deep-seteyesflashedangrily。Heshookhisloweredhead。
　　"Mud-eater！"jeeredtheape-man。"Wallowerinfilth。
　　Evenyourmeatstinks，butitisjuicyandmakesTarzanstrong。
　　TodayIshalleatyourheart，OLordoftheGreatTusks，thatitshallkeepsavagethatwhichpoundsagainstmyownribs。"
　　Horta，understandingnothingofwhatTarzansaid，wasnonethelessenragedbecauseofthat。Hesawonlyanakedman-thing，hairlessandfutile，pittinghispunyfangsandsoftmusclesagainsthisownindomitablesavagery，andhecharged。
　　TarzanoftheApeswaiteduntiltheupcutofawickedtuskwouldhavelaidopenhisthigh，thenhemoved——justtheleastbittooneside；butsoquicklythatlightningwasasluggardbycomparison，andashemoved，hestoopedlowandwithallthegreatpowerofhisrightarmdrovethelongbladeofhisfather’shuntingknifestraightintotheheartofHorta，theboar。Aquickleapcarriedhimfromthezoneofthecreature’sdeaththroes，andamomentlaterthehotanddrippingheartofHortawasinhisgrasp。
　　Hishungersatisfied，Tarzandidnotseekalying-upplaceforsleep，aswassometimeshisway，butcontinuedonthroughthejunglemoreinsearchofadventurethanoffood，fortodayhewasrestless。AndsoitcamethatheturnedhisfootstepstowardthevillageofMbonga，theblackchief，whosepeopleTarzanhadbaitedremorselesslysincethatdayuponwhichKulonga，thechief’sson，hadslainKala。
　　Ariverwindsclosebesidethevillageoftheblackmen。
　　TarzanreacheditssidealittlebelowtheclearingwheresquatthethatchedhutsoftheNegroes。Theriverlifewaseverfascinatingtotheape-man。HefoundpleasureinwatchingtheungainlyanticsofDuro，thehippopotamus，andkeensportintormentingthesluggishcrocodile，Gimla，ashebaskedinthesun。Then，too，thereweretheshesandthebalusoftheblackmenoftheGomanganitofrightenastheysquattedbytheriver，thesheswiththeirmeagerwashing，thebaluswiththeirprimitivetoys。
　　Thisdayhecameuponawomanandherchildfartherdownstreamthanusual。Theformerwassearchingforaspeciesofshellfishwhichwastobefoundinthemudclosetotheriverbank。Shewasayoungblackwomanofaboutthirty。Herteethwerefiledtosharppoints，forherpeopleatethefleshofman。Herunderlipwasslitthatitmightsupportarudependantofcopperwhichshehadwornforsomanyyearsthattheliphadbeendraggeddownwardtoprodigiouslengths，exposingtheteethandgumsofherlowerjaw。Hernose，too，wasslit，andthroughtheslitwasawoodenskewer。Metalornamentsdangledfromherears，anduponherforeheadandcheeks；
　　uponherchinandthebridgeofhernoseweretattooingsincolorsthatweremellowednowbyage。Shewasnakedexceptforagirdleofgrassesaboutherwaist。
　　AltogethershewasverybeautifulinherownestimationandevenintheestimationofthemenofMbonga’stribe，thoughshewasofanotherpeople——atrophyofwarseizedinhermaidenhoodbyoneofMbonga’sfightingmen。
　　Herchildwasaboyoften，lithe，straightand，forablack，handsome。Tarzanlookeduponthetwofromtheconcealingfoliageofanear-bybush。Hewasabouttoleapforthbeforethemwithaterrifyingscream，thathemightenjoythespectacleoftheirterrorandtheirincontinentflight；butofasuddenanewwhimseizedhim。
　　Herewasabalufashionedashehimselfwasfashioned。
　　Ofcoursethisone’sskinwasblack；butwhatofit？
　　Tarzanhadneverseenawhiteman。Insofarasheknew，hewasthesolerepresentativeofthatstrangeformoflifeupontheearth。TheblackboyshouldmakeanexcellentbaluforTarzan，sincehehadnoneofhisown。
　　Hewouldtendhimcarefully，feedhimwell，protecthimasonlyTarzanoftheApescouldprotecthisown，andteachhimoutofhishalfhuman，halfbestiallorethesecretsofthejunglefromitsrottingsurfacevegetationtothehightossedpinnaclesoftheforest’supperterraces。
　　***
　　Tarzanuncoiledhisrope，andshookoutthenoose。
　　Thetwobeforehim，allignorantofthenearpresenceofthatterrifyingform，continuedpreoccupiedinthesearchforshellfish，pokingaboutinthemudwithshortsticks。
　　Tarzansteppedfromthejunglebehindthem；hisnooselayopenuponthegroundbesidehim。Therewasaquickmovementoftherightarmandthenooserosegracefullyintotheair，hoveredaninstantabovetheheadoftheunsuspectingyouth，thensettled。Asitencompassedhisbodybelowtheshoulders，Tarzangaveaquickjerkthattighteneditabouttheboy’sarms，pinioningthemtohissides。Ascreamofterrorbrokefromthelad’slips，andashismotherturned，affrightedathiscry，shesawhimbeingdraggedquicklytowardagreatwhitegiantwhostoodjustbeneaththeshadeofanear-bytree，scarcelyadozenlongpacesfromher。
　　Withasavagecryofterrorandrage，thewomanleapedfearlesslytowardtheape-man。InhermienTarzansawdeterminationandcouragewhichwouldshrinknotevenfromdeathitself。
　　Shewasveryhideousandfrightfulevenwhenherfacewasinrepose；butconvulsedbypassion，herexpressionbecameterrifyinglyfiendish。Eventheape-mandrewback，butmoreinrevulsionthanfear——fearheknewnot。
　　Bitingandkickingwastheblackshe’sbaluasTarzantuckedhimbeneathhisarmandvanishedintothebrancheshanginglowabovehim，justastheinfuriatedmotherdashedforwardtoseizeanddobattlewithhim。Andashemeltedawayintothedepthofthejunglewithhisstillstrugglingprize，hemeditateduponthepossibilitieswhichmightlieintheprowessoftheGomanganiwerethehesasformidableastheshes。
　　Onceatasafedistancefromthedespoiledmotherandoutofearshotofherscreamsandmenaces，Tarzanpausedtoinspecthisprize，nowsothoroughlyterrorizedthathehadceasedhisstrugglesandhisoutcries。
　　Thefrightenedchildrolledhiseyesfearfullytowardhiscaptor，untilthewhitesshowedgleamingallabouttheirises。
　　"IamTarzan，"saidtheape-man，inthevernacularoftheanthropoids。"Iwillnotharmyou。YouaretobeTarzan’sbalu。Tarzanwillprotectyou。Hewillfeedyou。
　　ThebestinthejungleshallbeforTarzan’sbalu，forTarzanisamightyhunter。Noneneedyoufear，notevenNuma，thelion，forTarzanisamightyfighter。
　　NonesogreatasTarzan，sonofKala。Donotfear。"
　　Butthechildonlywhimperedandtrembled，forhedidnotunderstandthetongueofthegreatapes，andthevoiceofTarzansoundedtohimlikethebarkingandgrowlingofabeast。Then，too，hehadheardstoriesofthisbad，whiteforestgod。ItwashewhohadslainKulongaandothersofthewarriorsofMbonga，thechief。
　　Itwashewhoenteredthevillagestealthily，bymagic，inthedarknessofthenight，tostealarrowsandpoison，andfrightenthewomenandthechildrenandeventhegreatwarriors。Doubtlessthiswickedgodfeduponlittleboys。Hadhismothernotsaidasmuchwhenhewasnaughtyandshethreatenedtogivehimtothewhitegodofthejungleifhewerenotgood？LittleblackTiboshookaswithague。
　　"Areyoucold，Go-bu-balu？"askedTarzan，usingthesimianequivalentofblackhe-babyinlieuofabettername。
　　"Thesunishot；whydoyoushiver？"
　　Tibocouldnotunderstand；buthecriedforhismammaandbeggedthegreat，whitegodtolethimgo，promisingalwaystobeagoodboythereafterifhispleaweregranted。
　　Tarzanshookhishead。Notawordcouldheunderstand。
　　Thiswouldneverdo！HemustteachGo-bu-balualanguagewhichsoundedliketalk。ItwasquitecertaintoTarzanthatGo-bu-balu’sspeechwasnottalkatall。Itsoundedquiteassenselessasthechatteringofthesillybirds。
　　Itwouldbebest，thoughttheape-man，quicklytogethimamongthetribeofKerchakwherehewouldheartheManganitalkingamongthemselves。Thushewouldsoonlearnanintelligibleformofspeech。
　　Tarzanrosetohisfeetupontheswayingbranchwherehehadhaltedfarabovetheground，andmotionedtothechildtofollowhim；butTiboonlyclungtightlytotheboleofthetreeandwept。Beingaboy，andanativeAfrican，hehad，ofcourse，climbedintotreesmanytimesbeforethis；
　　buttheideaofracingoffthroughtheforest，leapingfromonebranchtoanother，ashiscaptor，tohishorror，haddonewhenhehadcarriedTiboawayfromhismother，filledhischildishheartwithterror。
　　Tarzansighed。Hisnewlyacquiredbaluhadmuchindeedtolearn。Itwaspitifulthatabaluofhissizeandstrengthshouldbesobackward。HetriedtocoaxTibotofollowhim；
　　butthechilddarednot，soTarzanpickedhimupandcarriedhimuponhisback。Tibonolongerscratchedorbit。
　　Escapeseemedimpossible。Evennow，werehesetupontheground，thechancewasremote，heknew，thathecouldfindhiswaybacktothevillageofMbonga，thechief。
　　Evenifhecould，therewerethelionsandtheleopardsandthehyenas，anyoneofwhich，asTibowaswellaware，wasparticularlyfondofthemeatoflittleblackboys。
　　Sofartheterriblewhitegodofthejunglehadofferedhimnoharm。Hecouldnotexpecteventhismuchconsiderationfromthefrightful，green-eyedman-eaters。
　　Itwouldbethelesseroftwoevils，then，toletthewhitegodcarryhimawaywithoutscratchingandbiting，ashehaddoneatfirst。
　　AsTarzanswungrapidlythroughthetrees，littleTiboclosedhiseyesinterrorratherthanlooklongerdownintothefrightfulabyssesbeneath。NeverbeforeinallhislifehadTibobeensofrightened，yetasthewhitegiantspedonwithhimthroughtheforesttherestoleoverthechildaninexplicablesensationofsecurityashesawhowtrueweretheleapsoftheape-man，howunerringhisgraspupontheswayinglimbswhichgavehimhand-hold，andthen，too，therewassafetyinthemiddleterracesoftheforest，farabovethereachofthedreadedlions。
　　AndsoTarzancametotheclearingwherethetribefed，droppingamongthemwithhisnewbaluclingingtightlytohisshoulders。HewasfairlyinthemidstofthembeforeTibospiedasingleoneofthegreathairyforms，orbeforetheapesrealizedthatTarzanwasnotalone。
　　WhentheysawthelittleGomanganipercheduponhisbacksomeofthemcameforwardincuriositywithupcurledlipsandsnarlingmien。
　　AnhourbeforelittleTibowouldhavesaidthatheknewtheuttermostdepthsoffear；butnow，ashesawthesefearsomebeastssurroundinghim，herealizedthatallthathadgonebeforewasasnothingbycomparison。
　　Whydidthegreatwhitegiantstandtheresounconcernedly？
　　Whydidhenotfleebeforethesehorrid，hairy，treemenfelluponthembothandtorethemtopieces？AndthentherecametoTiboanumbingrecollection。Itwasnoneotherthanthestoryhehadheardpassedfrommouthtomouth，fearfully，bythepeopleofMbonga，thechief，thatthisgreatwhitedemonofthejunglewasnaughtotherthanahairlessape，forhadnothebeenseenincompanywiththese？
　　Tibocouldonlystareinwide-eyedhorrorattheapproachingapes。Hesawtheirbeetlingbrows，theirgreatfangs，theirwickedeyes。Henotedtheirmightymusclesrollingbeneaththeirshaggyhides。
　　Theireveryattitudeandexpressionwasamenace。
　　Tarzansawthis，too。HedrewTiboaroundinfrontofhim。
　　"ThisisTarzan’sGo-bu-balu，"hesaid。"Donotharmhim，orTarzanwillkillyou，"andhebaredhisownfangsintheteethofthenearestape。
　　"ItisaGomangani，"repliedtheape。"Letmekillit。
　　ItisaGomangani。TheGomanganiareourenemies。
　　Letmekillit。"
　　"Goaway，"snarledTarzan。"Itellyou，Gunto，itisTarzan’sbalu。GoawayorTarzanwillkillyou，"
　　andtheape-mantookasteptowardtheadvancingape。
　　Thelattersidledoff，quitestiffandhaughty，afterthemannerofadogwhichmeetsanotherandistooproudtofightandtoofearfultoturnhisbackandrun。
　　NextcameTeeka，promptedbycuriosity。AthersideskippedlittleGazan。Theywerefilledwithwonderliketheothers；butTeekadidnotbareherfangs。
　　Tarzansawthisandmotionedthatsheapproach。
　　"Tarzanhasabalunow，"hesaid。"HeandTeeka’sbalucanplaytogether。"
　　"ItisaGomangani，"repliedTeeka。"Itwillkillmybalu。
　　Takeitaway，Tarzan。"
　　Tarzanlaughed。"ItcouldnotharmPamba，therat，"
　　hesaid。"Itisbutalittlebaluandveryfrightened。
　　LetGazanplaywithit。"
　　Teekastillwasfearful，forwithalltheirmightyferocitythegreatanthropoidsaretimid；butatlast，assuredbyhergreatconfidenceinTarzan，shepushedGazanforwardtowardthelittleblackboy。Thesmallape，guidedbyinstinct，drewbacktowarditsmother，baringitssmallfangsandscreaminginmingledfearandrage。
　　Tibo，too，showednosignsofdesiringacloseracquaintancewithGazan，soTarzangaveuphiseffortsforthetime。
　　Duringtheweekwhichfollowed，Tarzanfoundhistimemuchoccupied。Hisbaluwasagreaterresponsibilitythanhehadcountedupon。Notforamomentdidhedareleaveit，sinceofallthetribe，TeekaalonecouldhavebeendependedupontorefrainfromslayingthehaplessblackhaditnotbeenforTarzan’sconstantwatchfulness。
　　Whentheape-manhunted，hemustcarryGo-bu-baluaboutwithhim。Itwasirksome，andthenthelittleblackseemedsostupidandfearfultoTarzan。Itwasquitehelplessagainsteventhelesserofthejunglecreatures。
　　Tarzanwonderedhowithadsurvivedatall。Hetriedtoteachit，andfoundarayofhopeinthefactthatGo-bu-baluhadmasteredafewwordsofthelanguageoftheanthropoids，andthathecouldnowclingtoahigh-tossedbranchwithoutscreaminginfear；buttherewassomethingaboutthechildwhichworriedTarzan。
　　Heoftenhadwatchedtheblackswithintheirvillage。
　　Hehadseenthechildrenplaying，andalwaystherehadbeenmuchlaughter；butlittleGo-bu-baluneverlaughed。
　　ItwastruethatTarzanhimselfneverlaughed。Uponoccasionhesmiled，grimly，buttolaughterhewasastranger。
　　Theblack，however，shouldhavelaughed，reasonedtheape-man。
　　ItwasthewayoftheGomangani。
　　Also，hesawthatthelittlefellowoftenrefusedfoodandwasgrowingthinnerdaybyday。Attimeshesurprisedtheboysobbingsoftlytohimself。Tarzantriedtocomforthim，evenasfierceKalahadcomfortedTarzanwhentheape-manwasabalu，butalltonoavail。
　　Go-bu-balumerelynolongerfearedTarzan——thatwasall。
　　Hefearedeveryotherlivingthingwithinthejungle。
　　Hefearedthejungledayswiththeirlongexcursionsthroughthedizzytreetops。Hefearedthejunglenightswiththeirswaying，perilouscouchesfarabovetheground，andthegruntingandcoughingofthegreatcarnivoraprowlingbeneathhim。
　　Tarzandidnotknowwhattodo。HisheritageofEnglishbloodrendereditadifficultthingeventoconsiderasurrenderofhisproject，thoughhewasforcedtoadmittohimselfthathisbaluwasnotallthathehadhoped。
　　Thoughhewasfaithfultohisself-imposedtask，andevenfoundthathehadgrowntolikeGo-bu-balu，hecouldnotdeceivehimselfintobelievingthathefeltforitthatfierceheatofpassionateaffectionwhichTeekarevealedforGazan，andwhichtheblackmotherhadshownforGo-bu-balu。
　　ThelittleblackboyfromcringingterroratthesightofTarzanpassedbydegreesintotrustfulnessandadmiration。
　　Onlykindnesshadheeverreceivedatthehandsofthegreatwhitedevil-god，yethehadseenwithwhatferocityhiskindlycaptorcoulddealwithothers。Hehadseenhimleapuponacertainhe-apewhichpersistedinattemptingtoseizeandslayGo-bu-balu。Hehadseenthestrong，whiteteethoftheape-manfastenedintheneckofhisadversary，andthemightymusclestensedinbattle。
　　Hehadheardthesavage，bestialsnarlsandroarsofcombat，andhehadrealizedwithashudderthathecouldnotdifferentiatebetweenthoseofhisguardianandthoseofthehairyape。
　　HehadseenTarzanbringdownabuck，justasNuma，thelion，mighthavedone，leapinguponitsbackandfasteninghisfangsinthecreature’sneck。Tibohadshudderedatthesight，buthehadthrilled，too，andforthefirsttimethereenteredhisdull，Negroidmindavaguedesiretoemulatehissavagefosterparent。ButTibo，thelittleblackboy，lackedthedivinesparkwhichhadpermittedTarzan，thewhiteboy，tobenefitbyhistraininginthewaysofthefiercejungle。Inimaginationhewaswanting，andimaginationisbutanothernameforsuper-intelligence。
　　Imaginationitiswhichbuildsbridges，andcities，andempires。Thebeastsknowitnot，theblacksonlyalittle，whiletooneinahundredthousandofearth’sdominantraceitisgivenasagiftfromheaventhatmanmaynotperishfromtheearth。
　　WhileTarzanponderedhisproblemconcerningthefutureofhisbalu，Fatewasarrangingtotakethematteroutofhishands。Momaya，Tibo’smother，grief-strickenatthelossofherboy，hadconsultedthetribalwitch-doctor，buttonoavail。Themedicinehemadewasnotgoodmedicine，forthoughMomayapaidhimtwogoatsforit，itdidnotbringbackTibo，norevenindicatewhereshemightsearchforhimwithreasonableassuranceoffindinghim。
　　Momaya，beingofashorttemperandofanotherpeople，hadlittlerespectforthewitch-doctorofherhusband’stribe，andso，whenhesuggestedthatafurtherpaymentoftwomorefatgoatswoulddoubtlessenablehimtomakestrongermedicine，shepromptlyloosedhershrewishtongueuponhim，andwithsuchgoodeffectthathewasgladtotakehimselfoffwithhiszebra’stailandhispotofmagic。
　　WhenhehadgoneandMomayahadsucceededinpartiallysubduingheranger，shegaveherselfovertothought，asshesooftenhaddonesincetheabductionofherTibo，inthehopethatshefinallymightdiscoversomefeasiblemeansoflocatinghim，oratleastassuringherselfastowhetherhewerealiveordead。
　　ItwasknowntotheblacksthatTarzandidnoteatthefleshofman，forhehadslainmorethanoneoftheirnumber，yetnevertastedthefleshofany。Too，thebodiesalwayshadbeenfound，sometimesdroppingasthoughfromthecloudstoalightinthecenterofthevillage。
　　AsTibo’sbodyhadnotbeenfound，Momayaarguedthathestilllived，butwhere？
　　ThenitwasthattherecametohermindarecollectionofBukawai，theunclean，whodweltinacaveinthehillsidetothenorth，andwhoitwaswellknownentertaineddevilsinhisevillair。Few，ifany，hadthetemeritytovisitoldBukawai，firstlybecauseoffearofhisblackmagicandthetwohyenaswhodweltwithhimandwerecommonlyknowntobedevilsmasquerading，andsecondlybecauseoftheloathsomediseasewhichhadcausedBukawaitobeanoutcast——adiseasewhichwasslowlyeatingawayhisface。
　　NowitwasthatMomayareasonedshrewdlythatifanymightknowthewhereaboutsofherTibo，itwouldbeBukawai，whowasinfriendlyintercoursewithgodsanddemons，sinceademonoragoditwaswhohadstolenherbaby；
　　butevenhergreatmotherlovewassorelytaxedtofindthecouragetosendherforthintotheblackjungletowardthedistanthillsandtheuncannyabodeofBukawai，theunclean，andhisdevils。
　　Motherlove，however，isoneofthehumanpassionswhichcloselyapproximatestothedignityofanirresistibleforce。Itdrivesthefrailfleshofweakwomentodeedsofheroicmeasure。Momayawasneitherfrailnorweak，physically，butshewasawoman，anignorant，superstitious，Africansavage。Shebelievedindevils，inblackmagic，andinwitchcraft。ToMomaya，thejunglewasinhabitedbyfarmoreterrifyingthingsthanlionsandleopards——horrifying，namelessthingswhichpossessedthepowerofwreakingfrightfulharmundervariousinnocentguises。
　　Fromoneofthewarriorsofthevillage，whomsheknewtohaveoncestumbleduponthelairofBukawai，themotherofTibolearnedhowshemightfindit——nearaspringofwaterwhichroseinasmallrockycanonbetweentwohills，theeasternmostofwhichwaseasilyrecognizablebecauseofahugegraniteboulderwhichresteduponitssummit。
　　Thewesterlyhillwaslowerthanitscompanion，andwasquitebareofvegetationexceptforasinglemimosatreewhichgrewjustalittlebelowitssummit。
　　Thesetwohills，themanassuredher，couldbeseenforsomedistancebeforeshereachedthem，andtogetherformedanexcellentguidetoherdestination。
　　Hewarnedher，however，toabandonsofoolishanddangerousanadventure，emphasizingwhatshealreadyquitewellknew，thatifsheescapedharmatthehandsofBukawaiandhisdemons，thechanceswerethatshewouldnotbesofortunatewiththegreatcarnivoraofthejunglethroughwhichshemustpassgoingandreturning。
　　ThewarriorevenwenttoMomaya’shusband，who，inturn，havinglittleauthorityoverthevixenishladyofhischoice，wenttoMbonga，thechief。ThelattersummonedMomaya，threateningherwiththedirestpunishmentshouldsheventureforthuponsounholyanexcursion。Theoldchief’sinterestinthematterwasduesolelytothatage-oldalliancewhichexistsbetweenchurchandstate。
　　Thelocalwitch-doctor，knowinghisownmedicinebetterthananyotherknewit，wasjealousofallotherpretenderstoaccomplishmentsintheblackart。
　　HelonghadheardofthepowerofBukawai，andfearedlest，shouldhesucceedinrecoveringMomaya’slostchild，muchofthetribalpatronageandconsequentfeeswouldbedivertedtotheuncleanone。AsMbongareceived，aschief，acertainproportionofthewitch-doctor’sfeesandcouldexpectnothingfromBukawai，hisheartandsoulwere，quitenaturally，wrappedupintheorthodoxchurch。
　　ButifMomayacouldviewwithintrepidheartanexcursionintothejungleandavisittothefear-hauntedabodeofBukawai，shewasnotlikelytobedeterredbythreatsoffuturepunishmentatthehandsofoldMbonga，whomshesecretlydespised。Yetsheappearedtoaccedetohisinjunctions，returningtoherhutinsilence。
　　Shewouldhavepreferredstartinguponherquestbyday-light，butthiswasnowoutofthequestion，sinceshemustcarryfoodandaweaponofsomesort——thingswhichshenevercouldpassoutofthevillagewithbydaywithoutbeingsubjectedtocuriousquestioningthatsurelywouldcomeimmediatelytotheearsofMbonga。
　　SoMomayabidedhertimeuntilnight，andjustbeforethegatesofthevillagewereclosed，sheslippedthroughintothedarknessandthejungle。Shewasmuchfrightened，butshesetherfaceresolutelytowardthenorth，andthoughshepausedoftentolisten，breathlessly，forthehugecatswhich，here，werehergreatestterror，sheneverthelesscontinuedherwaystaunchlyforseveralhours，untilalowmoanalittletoherrightandbehindherbroughthertoasuddenstop。
　　Withpalpitatingheartthewomanstood，scarcedaringtobreathe，andthen，veryfaintlybutunmistakabletoherkeenears，camethestealthycrunchingoftwigsandgrassesbeneathpaddedfeet。
　　AllaboutMomayagrewthegianttreesofthetropicaljungle，festoonedwithhangingvinesandmosses。Sheseizeduponthenearestandstartedtoclamber，apelike，tothebranchesabove。Asshedidso，therewasasuddenrushofagreatbodybehindher，amenacingroarthatcausedtheearthtotremble，andsomethingcrashedintotheverycreeperstowhichshewasclinging——butbelowher。
　　Momayadrewherselftosafetyamongtheleafybranchesandthankedtheforesightwhichhadpromptedhertobringalongthedriedhumanearwhichhungfromacordaboutherneck。
　　Shealwayshadknownthatthatearwasgoodmedicine。
　　Ithadbeengivenher，whenagirl，bythewitch-doctorofhertowntribe，andwasnothinglikethepoor，weakmedicineofMbonga’switch-doctor。
　　AllnightMomayaclungtoherperch，foralthoughthelionsoughtotherpreyafterashorttime，shedarednotdescendintothedarknessagain，forfearshemightencounterhimoranotherofhiskind；butatdaylightsheclambereddownandresumedherway。
　　TarzanoftheApes，findingthathisbaluneverceasedtogiveevidenceofterrorinthepresenceoftheapesofthetribe，andalsothatmostoftheadultapeswereaconstantmenacetoGo-bu-balu’slife，sothatTarzandarednotleavehimalonewiththem，tooktohuntingwiththelittleblackboyfartherandfartherfromthestampinggroundsoftheanthropoids。
　　Littlebylittlehisabsencesfromthetribegrewinlengthashewanderedfartherawayfromthem，untilfinallyhefoundhimselfagreaterdistancetothenorththanheeverbeforehadhunted，andwithwaterandamplegameandfruit，hefeltnotatallinclinedtoreturntothetribe。
　　LittleGo-bu-balugaveevidencesofagreaterinterestinlife，aninterestwhichvariedindirectproportiontothedistancehewasfromtheapesofKerchak。
　　HenowtrottedalongbehindTarzanwhentheape-manwentupontheground，andinthetreesheevendidhisbesttofollowhismightyfosterparent。Theboywasstillsadandlonely。Histhin，littlebodyhadgrownsteadilythinnersincehehadcomeamongtheapes，forwhile，asayoungcannibal，hewasnotoverniceinthematterofdiet，hefounditnotalwaystohistastetostomachtheweirdthingswhichtickledthepalatesofepicuresamongtheapes。
　　Hislargeeyeswereverylargeindeednow，hischeekssunken，andeveryribofhisemaciatedbodyplainlydiscernibletowhomsoevershouldcaretocountthem。Constantterror，perhaps，hadhadasmuchtodowithhisphysicalconditionashadimproperfood。Tarzannoticedthechangeandwasworried。
　　Hehadhopedtoseehisbaluwaxsturdyandstrong。
　　Hisdisappointmentwasgreat。InonlyonerespectdidGo-bu-baluseemtoprogress——hereadilywasmasteringthelanguageoftheapes。EvennowheandTarzancouldconverseinafairlysatisfactorymannerbysupplementingthemeagerapespeechwithsigns；butforthemostpart，Go-bu-baluwassilentotherthantoanswerquestionsputtohim。Hisgreatsorrowwasyettoonewandtoopoignanttobelaidasideevenmomentarily。AlwayshepinedforMomaya——shrewish，hideous，repulsive，perhaps，shewouldhavebeentoyouorme，buttoTiboshewasmamma，thepersonificationofthatonegreatlovewhichknowsnoselfishnessandwhichdoesnotconsumeitselfinitsownfires。
　　Asthetwohunted，orratherasTarzanhuntedandGo-bu-balutaggedalonginhiswake，theape-mannoticedmanythingsandthoughtmuch。OncetheycameuponSabormoaninginthetallgrasses。Aboutherrompedandplayedtwolittleballsoffur，buthereyeswereforonewhichlaybetweenhergreatforepawsanddidnotromp，onewhoneverwouldrompagain。
　　Tarzanreadarighttheanguishandthesufferingofthehugemothercat。Hehadbeenmindedtobaither。Itwastodothisthathehadsneakedsilentlythroughthetreesuntilhehadcomealmostaboveher，butsomethingheldtheape-manashesawthelionessgrievingoverherdeadcub。
　　WiththeacquisitionofGo-bu-balu，Tarzanhadcometorealizetheresponsibilitiesandsorrowsofparentage，withoutitsjoys。HisheartwentouttoSaborasitmightnothavedoneafewweeksbefore。Ashewatchedher，thererosequiteunbiddenbeforehimavisionofMomaya，theskewerthroughtheseptumofhernose，herpendulousunderlipsaggingbeneaththeweightwhichdraggeditdown。
　　Tarzansawnotherunloveliness；hesawonlythesameanguishthatwasSabor’s，andhewinced。ThatstrangefunctioningofthemindwhichsometimesiscalledassociationofideassnappedTeekaandGazanbeforetheape-man’smentalvision。
　　WhatifoneshouldcomeandtakeGazanfromTeeka。
　　TarzanutteredalowandominousgrowlasthoughGazanwerehisown。Go-bu-baluglancedhereandthereapprehensively，thinkingthatTarzanhadespiedanenemy。Saborsprangsuddenlytoherfeet，heryellow-greeneyesblazing，hertaillashingasshecockedherears，andraisinghermuzzle，sniffedtheairforpossibledanger。
　　Thetwolittlecubs，whichhadbeenplaying，scamperedquicklytoher，andstandingbeneathher，peeredoutfrombetweenherforelegs，theirbigearsupstanding，theirlittleheadscockedfirstupononesideandthenupontheother。
　　Withashakeofhisblackshock，Tarzanturnedawayandresumedhishuntinginanotherdirection；butalldaythereroseoneafteranother，abovethethresholdofhisobjectivemind，memoryportraitsofSabor，ofMomaya，andofTeeka——alioness，acannibal，andashe-ape，yettotheape-mantheywereidenticalthroughmotherhood。
　　ItwasnoonofthethirddaywhenMomayacamewithinsightofthecaveofBukawai，theunclean。Theoldwitch-doctorhadriggedaframeworkofinterlacedboughstoclosethemouthofthecavefrompredatorybeasts。
　　Thiswasnowsettooneside，andtheblackcavernbeyondyawnedmysteriousandrepellent。Momayashiveredasfromacoldwindoftherainyseason。Nosignoflifeappearedaboutthecave，yetMomayaexperiencedthatuncannysensationasofunseeneyesregardinghermalevolently。
　　Againsheshuddered。Shetriedtoforceherunwillingfeetonwardtowardthecave，whenfromitsdepthsissuedanuncannysoundthatwasneitherbrutenorhuman，aweirdsoundthatwasakintomirthlesslaughter。
　　Withastifledscream，Momayaturnedandfledintothejungle。
　　Forahundredyardssheranbeforeshecouldcontrolherterror，andthenshepaused，listening。Wasallherlabor，werealltheterrorsanddangersthroughwhichshehadpassedtogofornaught？Shetriedtosteelherselftoreturntothecave，butagainfrightovercameher。
　　Saddened，disheartened，sheturnedslowlyuponthebacktrailtowardthevillageofMbonga。Heryoungshouldersnowweredroopedlikethoseofanoldwomanwhobearsagreatburdenofmanyyearswiththeiraccumulatedpainsandsorrows，andshewalkedwithtiredfeetandahaltingstep。
　　ThespringofyouthwasgonefromMomaya。
　　Foranotherhundredyardsshedraggedherwearyway，herbrainhalfparalyzedfromdumbterrorandsuffering，andthentherecametoherthememoryofalittlebabethatsuckledatherbreast，andofaslimboywhoromped，laughing，abouther，andtheywerebothTibo——herTibo！
　　Hershouldersstraightened。Sheshookhersavagehead，andsheturnedaboutandwalkedboldlybacktothemouthofthecaveofBukawai，theunclean——ofBukawai，thewitch-doctor。
　　Again，fromtheinteriorofthecavecamethehideouslaughterthatwasnotlaughter。ThistimeMomayarecognizeditforwhatitwas，thestrangecryofahyena。
　　Nomoredidsheshudder，butsheheldherspearreadyandcalledaloudtoBukawaitocomeout。
　　InsteadofBukawaicametherepulsiveheadofahyena。
　　Momayapokedatitwithherspear，andtheugly，sullenbrutedrewbackwithanangrygrowl。AgainMomayacalledBukawaibyname，andthistimetherecameananswerinmumblingtonesthatwerescarcemorehumanthanthoseofthebeast。
　　"WhocomestoBukawai？"queriedthevoice。
　　"ItisMomaya，"repliedthewoman；"MomayafromthevillageofMbonga，thechief。
　　"Whatdoyouwant？"
　　"Iwantgoodmedicine，bettermedicinethanMbonga’switch-doctorcanmake，"repliedMomaya。"Thegreat，white，junglegodhasstolenmyTibo，andIwantmedicinetobringhimback，ortofindwhereheishiddenthatImaygoandgethim。"
　　"WhoisTibo？"askedBukawai。
　　Momayatoldhim。
　　"Bukawai’smedicineisverystrong，"saidthevoice。
　　"FivegoatsandanewsleepingmatarescarceenoughinexchangeforBukawai’smedicine。"
　　"Twogoatsareenough，"saidMomaya，forthespiritofbarterisstronginthebreastsoftheblacks。
　　ThepleasureofhagglingoverthepricewasasufficientlypotentluretodrawBukawaitothemouthofthecave。
　　Momayawassorrywhenshesawhimthathehadnotremainedwithin。Therearesomethingstoohorrible，toohideous，toorepulsivefordescription——Bukawai’sfacewasofthese。WhenMomayasawhimsheunderstoodwhyitwasthathewasalmostinarticulate。
　　Besidehimweretwohyenas，whichrumorhadsaidwerehisonlyandconstantcompanions。Theymadeanexcellenttrio——themostrepulsiveofbeastswiththemostrepulsiveofhumans。
　　"Fivegoatsandanewsleepingmat，"mumbledBukawai。
　　"Twofatgoatsandasleepingmat。"Momayaraisedherbid；
　　butBukawaiwasobdurate。Hestuckforthefivegoatsandthesleepingmatforamatterofhalfanhour，whilethehyenassniffedandgrowledandlaughedhideously。
　　MomayawasdeterminedtogiveallthatBukawaiaskedifshecoulddonobetter，buthagglingissecondnaturetoblackbarterers，andintheenditpartlyrepaidher，foracompromisefinallywasreachedwhichincludedthreefatgoats，anewsleepingmat，andapieceofcopperwire。
　　"Comebacktonight，"saidBukawai，"whenthemoonistwohoursinthesky。ThenwillImakethestrongmedicinewhichshallbringTibobacktoyou。Bringwithyouthethreefatgoats，thenewsleepingmat，andthepieceofcopperwirethelengthofalargeman’sforearm。"
　　"Icannotbringthem，"saidMomaya。"Youwillhavetocomeafterthem。WhenyouhaverestoredTibotome，youshallhavethemallatthevillageofMbonga。
　　Bukawaishookhishead。
　　"Iwillmakenomedicine，"hesaid，"untilIhavethegoatsandthematandthecopperwire。"
　　Momayapleadedandthreatened，butalltonoavail。
　　Finally，sheturnedawayandstartedoffthroughthejungletowardthevillageofMbonga。HowshecouldgetthreegoatsandasleepingmatoutofthevillageandthroughthejungletothecaveofBukawai，shedidnotknow，butthatshewoulddoitsomehowshewasquitepositive——shewoulddoitordie。Tibomustberestoredtoher。
　　TarzancominglazilythroughthejunglewithlittleGo-bu-balu，caughtthescentofBara，thedeer。TarzanhungeredforthefleshofBara。Naughttickledhispalatesogreatly；
　　buttostalkBarawithGo-bu-baluathisheels，wasoutofthequestion，sohehidthechildinthecrotchofatreewherethethickfoliagescreenedhimfromview，andsetoffswiftlyandsilentlyuponthespoorofBara。
　　TiboalonewasmoreterrifiedthanTiboevenamongtheapes。
　　Realandapparentdangersarelessdisconcertingthanthosewhichweimagine，andonlythegodsofhispeopleknewhowmuchTiboimagined。
　　Hehadbeenbutashorttimeinhishidingplacewhenheheardsomethingapproachingthroughthejungle。
　　HecrouchedclosertothelimbuponwhichhelayandprayedthatTarzanwouldreturnquickly。Hiswideeyessearchedthejungleinthedirectionofthemovingcreature。
　　Whatifitwasaleopardthathadcaughthisscent！Itwouldbeuponhiminaminute。HottearsflowedfromthelargeeyesoflittleTibo。Thecurtainofjunglefoliagerustledcloseathand。Thethingwasbutafewpacesfromhistree！
　　Hiseyesfairlypoppedfromhisblackfaceashewatchedfortheappearanceofthedreadcreaturewhichpresentlywouldthrustasnarlingcountenancefrombetweenthevinesandcreepers。
　　Andthenthecurtainpartedandawomansteppedintofullview。Withagaspingcry，Tibotumbledfromhisperchandracedtowardher。Momayasuddenlystartedbackandraisedherspear，butasecondlatershecastitasideandcaughtthethinbodyinherstrongarms。
　　Crushingittoher，shecriedandlaughedallatoneandthesametime，andhottearsofjoy，mingledwiththetearsofTibo，trickleddownthecreasebetweenhernakedbreasts。
　　Disturbedbythenoisesocloseathand，therearosefromhissleepinanear-bythicketNuma，thelion。
　　Helookedthroughthetangledunderbrushandsawtheblackwomanandheryoung。Helickedhischopsandmeasuredthedistancebetweenthemandhimself。
　　Ashortchargeandalongleapwouldcarryhimuponthem。
　　Heflickedtheendofhistailandsighed。
　　Avagrantbreeze，swirlingsuddenlyinthewrongdirection，carriedthescentofTarzantothesensitivenostrilsofBara，thedeer。Therewasastartledtensingofmusclesandcockingofears，asuddendash，andTarzan’smeatwasgone。Theape-manangrilyshookhisheadandturnedbacktowardthespotwherehehadleftGo-bu-balu。Hecamesoftly，aswashisway。Beforehereachedthespotheheardstrangesounds——thesoundofawomanlaughingandofawomanweeping，andthetwowhichseemedtocomefromonethroatweremingledwiththeconvulsivesobbingofachild。Tarzanhastened，andwhenTarzanhastened，onlythebirdsandthewindwentfaster。
　　AndasTarzanapproachedthesounds，heheardanother，adeepsigh。Momayadidnothearit，nordidTibo；
　　buttheearsofTarzanwereastheearsofBara，thedeer。
　　Heheardthesigh，andheknew，soheunloosedtheheavyspearwhichdangledathisback。Evenashespedthroughthebranchesofthetrees，withthesameeasethatyouorImighttakeoutapockethandkerchiefaswestrollednonchalantlydownalazycountrylane，TarzanoftheApestookthespearfromitsthongthatitmightbereadyagainstanyemergency。
　　Numa，thelion，didnotrushmadlytoattack。
　　Hereasonedagain，andreasontoldhimthatalreadythepreywashis，sohepushedhisgreatbulkthroughthefoliageandstoodeyeinghismeatwithbaleful，glaringeyes。
　　Momayasawhimandshrieked，drawingTiboclosertoherbreast。
　　Tohavefoundherchildandtolosehim，allinamoment！
　　Sheraisedherspear，throwingherhandfarbackofhershoulder。Numaroaredandsteppedslowlyforward。
　　Momayacastherweapon。Itgrazedthetawnyshoulder，inflictingafleshwoundwhicharousedalltheterrificbestialityofthecarnivore，andthelioncharged。
　　Momayatriedtoclosehereyes，butcouldnot。Shesawtheflashingswiftnessofthehuge，oncomingdeath，andthenshesawsomethingelse。Shesawamighty，nakedwhitemandropasfromtheheavensintothepathofthecharginglion。Shesawthemusclesofagreatarmflashinthelightoftheequatorialsunasitfiltered，dappling，throughthefoliageabove。Shesawaheavyhuntingspearhurtlethroughtheairtomeetthelioninmidleap。
　　Numabroughtupuponhishaunches，roaringterriblyandstrikingatthespearwhichprotrudedfromhisbreast。Hisgreatblowsbentandtwistedtheweapon。Tarzan，crouchingandwithhuntingknifeinhand，circledwarilyaboutthefrenziedcat。
　　Momaya，wide-eyed，stoodrootedtothespot，watching，fascinated。
　　InsuddenfuryNumahurledhimselftowardtheape-man，butthewirycreatureeludedtheblunderingcharge，side-steppingquicklyonlytorushinuponhisfoe。
　　Twicethehuntingbladeflashedintheair。TwiceitfelluponthebackofNuma，alreadyweakeningfromthespearpointsonearhisheart。Thesecondstrokeofthebladepiercedfarintothebeast’sspine，andwithalastconvulsivesweepofthefore-paws，inavainattempttoreachhistormentor，Numasprawledupontheground，paralyzedanddying。
　　Bukawai，fearfullestheshouldloseanyrecompense，followedMomayawiththeintentionofpersuadinghertopartwithherornamentsofcopperandironagainstherreturnwiththepriceofthemedicine——topay，asitwere，foranoptiononhisservicesasonepaysaretainingfeetoanattorney，for，likeanattorney，Bukawaiknewthevalueofhismedicineandthatitwaswelltocollectasmuchaspossibleinadvance。
　　Thewitch-doctorcameuponthesceneasTarzanleapedtomeetthelion’scharge。Hesawitallandmarveled，guessingimmediatelythatthismustbethestrangewhitedemonconcerningwhomhehadheardvaguerumorsbeforeMomayacametohim。
　　Momaya，nowthatthelionwaspastharmingherorhers，gazedwithnewterroruponTarzan。ItwashewhohadstolenherTibo。Doubtlesshewouldattempttostealhimagain。
　　Momayahuggedtheboyclosetoher。ShewasdeterminedtodiethistimeratherthansufferTibotobetakenfromheragain。
　　Tarzaneyedtheminsilence。Thesightoftheboyclinging，sobbing，tohismotherarousedwithinhissavagebreastamelancholyloneliness。TherewasnonethustoclingtoTarzan，whoyearnedsofortheloveofsomeone，ofsomething。
　　AtlastTibolookedup，becauseofthequietthathadfallenuponthejungle，andsawTarzan。Hedidnotshrink。
　　"Tarzan，"hesaid，inthespeechofthegreatapesofthetribeofKerchak，"donottakemefromMomaya，mymother。
　　Donottakemeagaintothelairofthehairy，treemen，forIfearTaugandGuntoandtheothers。LetmestaywithMomaya，OTarzan，GodoftheJungle！LetmestaywithMomaya，mymother，andtotheendofourdayswewillblessyouandputfoodbeforethegatesofthevillageofMbongathatyoumayneverhunger。"
　　Tarzansighed。
　　"Go，"hesaid，"backtothevillageofMbonga，andTarzanwillfollowtoseethatnoharmbefallsyou。"
　　Tibotranslatedthewordstohismother，andthetwoturnedtheirbacksupontheape-manandstartedofftowardhome。
　　IntheheartofMomayawasagreatfearandagreatexultation，forneverbeforehadshewalkedwithGod，andneverhadshebeensohappy。ShestrainedlittleTibotoher，strokinghisthincheek。Tarzansawandsighedagain。
　　"ForTeekathereisTeeka’sbalu，"hesoliloquized；
　　"forSabortherearebalus，andfortheshe-Gomangani，andforBara，andforManu，andevenforPamba，therat；
　　butforTarzantherecanbenone——neitherashenorabalu。
　　TarzanoftheApesisaman，anditmustbethatmanwalksalone。"
　　Bukawaisawthemgo，andhemumbledthroughhisrottingface，swearingagreatoaththathewouldyethavethethreefatgoats，thenewsleepingmat，andthebitofcopperwire。
　　6
　　TheWitch-DoctorSeeksVengeanceLORDGREYSTOKEwashunting，or，tobemoreaccurate，hewasshootingpheasantsatChamston-Hedding。LordGreystokewasimmaculatelyandappropriatelygarbed——totheminutestdetailhewasvogue。Tobesure，hewasamongtheforwardguns，notbeingconsideredasportingshot，butwhathelackedinskillhemorethanmadeupinappearance。Attheendofthedayhewould，doubtless，havemanybirdstohiscredit，sincehehadtwogunsandasmartloader——manymorebirdsthanhecouldeatinayear，evenhadhebeenhungry，whichhewasnot，havingbutjustarisenfromthebreakfasttable。
　　Thebeaters——thereweretwenty-threeofthem，inwhitesmocks——hadbutjustdriventhebirdsintoapatchofgorse，andwerenowcirclingtotheoppositesidethattheymightdrivedowntowardtheguns。LordGreystokewasquiteasexcitedasheeverpermittedhimselftobecome。
　　Therewasanexhilarationinthesportthatwouldnotbedenied。Hefelthisbloodtinglingthroughhisveinsasthebeatersapproachedcloserandclosertothebirds。
　　InavagueandstupidsortofwayLordGreystokefelt，ashealwaysfeltuponsuchoccasions，thathewasexperiencingasensationsomewhatakintoareversiontoaprehistorictype——thatthebloodofanancientforbearwascoursinghotthroughhim，ahairy，half-nakedforbearwhohadlivedbythehunt。
　　AndfarawayinamattedequatorialjungleanotherLordGreystoke，therealLordGreystoke，hunted。Bythestandardswhichheknew，he，too，wasvogue——utterlyvogue，aswastheprimalancestorbeforethefirsteviction。
　　Thedaybeingsultry，theleopardskinhadbeenleftbehind。
　　TherealLordGreystokehadnottwoguns，tobesure，norevenone，neitherdidhehaveasmartloader；buthepossessedsomethinginfinitelymoreefficaciousthanguns，orloaders，oreventwenty-threebeatersinwhitesmocks——hepossessedanappetite，anuncannywoodcraft，andmusclesthatwereassteelsprings。
　　Laterthatday，inEngland，aLordGreystokeatebountifullyofthingshehadnotkilled，andhedrankotherthingswhichwereuncorkedtotheaccompanimentofmuchnoise。
　　Hepattedhislipswithsnowylinentoremovethefainttracesofhisrepast，quiteignorantofthefactthathewasanimpostorandthattherightfulownerofhisnobletitlewaseventhenfinishinghisowndinnerinfar-offAfrica。
　　Hewasnotusingsnowylinen，though。Insteadhedrewthebackofabrownforearmandhandacrosshismouthandwipedhisbloodyfingersuponhisthighs。Thenhemovedslowlythroughthejungletothedrinkingplace，where，uponallfours，hedrankasdrankhisfellows，theotherbeastsofthejungle。
　　Ashequenchedhisthirst，anotherdenizenofthegloomyforestapproachedthestreamalongthepathbehindhim。
　　ItwasNuma，thelion，tawnyofbodyandblackofmane，scowlingandsinister，rumblingoutlow，coughingroars。
　　TarzanoftheApesheardhimlongbeforehecamewithinsight，buttheape-manwentonwithhisdrinkinguntilhehadhadhisfill；thenhearose，slowly，withtheeasygraceofacreatureofthewildsandallthequietdignitythatwashisbirthright。
　　Numahaltedashesawthemanstandingattheveryspotwherethekingwoulddrink。Hisjawswereparted，andhiscrueleyesgleamed。Hegrowledandadvancedslowly。
　　Themangrowled，too，backingslowlytooneside，andwatching，notthelion’sface，butitstail。
　　Shouldthatcommencetomovefromsidetosideinquick，nervousjerks，itwouldbewelltobeuponthealert，andshoulditrisesuddenlyerect，straightandstiff，thenonemightpreparetofightorflee；butitdidneither，soTarzanmerelybackedawayandthelioncamedownanddrankscarcefiftyfeetfromwherethemanstood。
　　Tomorrowtheymightbeatoneanother’sthroats，buttodaythereexistedoneofthosestrangeandinexplicabletruceswhichsooftenareseenamongthesavageonesofthejungle。
　　BeforeNumahadfinisheddrinking，Tarzanhadreturnedintotheforest，andwasswingingawayinthedirectionofthevillageofMbonga，theblackchief。
　　Ithadbeenatleastamoonsincetheape-manhadcalledupontheGomangani。NotsincehehadrestoredlittleTibotohisgrief-strickenmotherhadthewhimseizedhimtodoso。
　　TheincidentoftheadoptedbaluwasaclosedonetoTarzan。
　　HehadsoughttofindsomethinguponwhichtolavishsuchanaffectionasTeekalavisheduponherbalu，butashortexperienceofthelittleblackboyhadmadeitquiteplaintotheape-manthatnosuchsentimentcouldexistbetweenthem。
　　ThefactthathehadforatimetreatedthelittleblackashemighthavetreatedarealbaluofhisownhadinnowayalteredthevengefulsentimentswithwhichheconsideredthemurderersofKala。TheGomanganiwerehisdeadlyenemies，norcouldtheyeverbeaughtelse。