Tarzanlookedupintoherface。"Tantoriscoming，"
hesaid。"Ithoughtthathewouldrescueme；butIknownowfromhisvoicethathewillslaymeandyouandallthatfallinhispath，searchingoutwiththecunningofSheeta，thepanther，thosewhowouldhidefromhim，forTantorismadwiththemadnessoflove。"
LaknewonlytoowelltheinsaneferocityofabullelephantinMUST。SheknewthatTarzanhadnotexaggerated。Sheknewthatthedevilinthecunning，cruelbrainofthegreatbeastmightsendithitherandthitherhuntingthroughtheforestforthosewhoescapeditsfirstcharge，orthebeastmightpassonwithoutreturning——noonemightguesswhich。
"Icannotloveyou，La，"saidTarzaninalowvoice。
"Idonotknowwhy，foryouareverybeautiful。
IcouldnotgobackandliveinOpar——Iwhohavethewholebroadjungleformyrange。No，IcannotloveyoubutIcannotseeyoudiebeneaththegoringtusksofmadTantor。Cutmybondsbeforeitistoolate。
Alreadyheisalmostuponus。CutthemandImayyetsaveyou。"
Alittlespiralofcurlingsmokerosefromonecornerofthepyre——theflameslickedupward，crackling。
LastoodtherelikeabeautifulstatueofdespairgazingatTarzanandatthespreadingflames。Inamomenttheywouldreachoutandgrasphim。Fromthetangledforestcamethesoundofcrackinglimbsandcrashingtrunks——Tantorwascomingdownuponthem，ahugeJuggernautofthejungle。Thepriestswerebecominguneasy。TheycastapprehensiveglancesinthedirectionoftheapproachingelephantandthenbackatLa。
"Fly！"shecommandedthemandthenshestoopedandcutthebondssecuringherprisoner’sfeetandhands。
InaninstantTarzanwasupontheground。Thepriestsscreamedouttheirrageanddisappointment。HewiththetorchtookamenacingsteptowardLaandtheape—man。
"Traitor！"Heshriekedatthewoman。"Forthisyoutooshalldie！"RaisinghisbludgeonherushedupontheHighPriestess；butTarzanwastherebeforeher。
Leapingintoclosequarterstheape—manseizedtheupraisedweaponandwrencheditfromthehandsofthefrenziedfanaticandthenthepriestcloseduponhimwithtoothandnail。Seizingthestocky，stuntedbodyinhismightyhandsTarzanraisedthecreaturehighabovehishead，hurlinghimathisfellowswhowerenowgatheredreadytobeardownupontheirerstwhilecaptive。Lastoodproudlywithreadyknifebehindtheape—man。Nofaintsignoffearmarkedherperfectbrow——onlyhaughtydisdainforherpriestsandadmirationforthemanshelovedsohopelesslyfilledherthoughts。
Suddenlyuponthissceneburstthemadbull——ahugetusker，hislittleeyesinflamedwithinsanerage。
Thepriestsstoodforaninstantparalyzedwithterror；
butTarzanturnedandgatheringLainhisarmsracedforthenearesttree。Tantorboredownuponhimtrumpetingshrilly。
Laclungwithbothwhitearmsabouttheape—man’sneck。
Shefelthimleapintotheairandmarveledathisstrengthandhisabilityas，burdenedwithherweight，heswungnimblyintothelowerbranchesofalargetreeandquicklyboreherupwardbeyondreachofthesinuoustrunkofthepachyderm。
Momentarilybaffledhere，thehugeelephantwheeledandboredownuponthehaplesspriestswhohadnowscattered，terror—stricken，ineverydirection。
Thenearesthegoredandthrewhighamongthebranchesofatree。Oneheseizedinthecoilsofhistrunkandbrokeuponahugebole，droppingthemangledpulptocharge，trumpeting，afteranother。Twohetrampledbeneathhishugefeetandbythentheothershaddisappearedintothejungle。NowTantorturnedhisattentiononcemoretoTarzanforoneofthesymptomsofmadnessisarevulsionofaffection——objectsofsanelovebecometheobjectsofinsanehatred。Peculiarintheunwrittenannalsofthejunglewastheproverbiallovethathadexistedbetweentheape—manandthetribeofTantor。NoelephantinallthejunglewouldharmtheTarmangani——thewhite—ape；butwiththemadnessofMUSTuponhimthegreatbullsoughttodestroyhislong—timeplay—fellow。
BacktothetreewhereLaandTarzanperchedcameTantor，theelephant。Herearedupwithhisforefeetagainsttheboleandreachedhightowardthemwithhislongtrunk；butTarzanhadforeseenthisandclamberedbeyondthebull’slongestreach。Failurebuttendedtofurtherenragethemadcreature。Hebellowedandtrumpetedandscreameduntiltheearthshooktothemightyvolumeofhisnoise。Heputhisheadagainstthetreeandpushedandthetreebentbeforehismightystrength；yetstillitheld。
TheactionsofTarzanwerepeculiarintheextreme。
HadNuma，orSabor，orSheeta，oranyotherbeastofthejunglebeenseekingtodestroyhim，theape—manwouldhavedancedabouthurlingmissilesandinvectivesathisassailant。Hewouldhaveinsultedandtauntedthem，revilinginthejungleBillingsgateheknewsowell；butnowhesatsilentoutofTantor’sreachanduponhishandsomefacewasanexpressionofdeepsorrowandpity，forofallthejunglefolkTarzanlovedTantorthebest。Couldhehaveslainhimhewouldnothavethoughtofdoingso。Hisoneideawastoescape，forheknewthatwiththepassingoftheMUST
Tantorwouldbesaneagainandthatoncemorehemightstretchatfulllengthuponthatmightybackandmakefoolishspeechintothosegreat，flappingears。
Findingthatthetreewouldnotfalltohispushing，Tantorwasbutenragedthemore。Helookedupatthetwoperchedhighabovehim，hisred—rimmedeyesblazingwithinsanehatred，andthenhewoundhistrunkabouttheboleofthetree，spreadhisgiantfeetwideapartandtuggedtouprootthejunglegiant。AhugecreaturewasTantor，anenormousbullinthefullprimeofallhisstupendousstrength。Mightilyhestroveuntilpresently，toTarzan’sconsternation，thegreattreegaveslowlyattheroots。Thegroundroseinlittlemoundsandridgesaboutthebaseofthebole，thetreetilted——inanothermomentitwouldbeuprootedandfall。
Theape—manwhirledLatohisbackandjustasthetreeinclinedslowlyinitsfirstmovementoutoftheperpendicular，beforethesuddenrushofitsfinalcollapse，heswungtothebranchesofalesserneighbor。Itwasalongandperilousleap。Laclosedhereyesandshuddered；butwhensheopenedthemagainshefoundherselfsafeandTarzanwhirlingonwardthroughtheforest。Behindthemtheuprootedtreecrashedheavilytotheground，carryingwithitthelessertreesinitspathandthenTantor，realizingthathispreyhadescapedhim，setuponcemorehishideoustrumpetingandfollowedatarapidchargeupontheirtrail。
14
APriestessButYetaWomanAtfirstLaclosedhereyesandclungtoTarzaninterror，thoughshemadenooutcry；butpresentlyshegainedsufficientcouragetolookabouther，tolookdownatthegroundbeneathandeventokeephereyesopenduringthewide，perilousswingsfromtreetotree，andthentherecameoverherasenseofsafetybecauseofherconfidenceintheperfectphysicalcreatureinwhosestrengthandnerveandagilityherfatelay。Oncesheraisedhereyestotheburningsunandmurmuredaprayerofthankstoherpagangodthatshehadnotbeenpermittedtodestroythisgodlikeman，andherlonglasheswerewetwithtears。AstrangeanomalywasLaofOpar——acreatureofcircumstancetornbyconflictingemotions。Nowthecruelandbloodthirstycreatureofaheartlessgodandagainameltingwomanfilledwithcompassionandtenderness。
Sometimestheincarnationofjealousyandrevengeandsometimesasobbingmaiden，generousandforgiving；atonceavirginandawanton；butalways——awoman。
SuchwasLa。
ShepressedhercheekclosetoTarzan’sshoulder。
Slowlysheturnedherheaduntilherhotlipswerepressedagainsthisflesh。Shelovedhimandwouldgladlyhavediedforhim；yetwithinanhourshehadbeenreadytoplungeaknifeintohisheartandmightagainwithinthecominghour。
AhaplesspriestseekingshelterinthejunglechancedtoshowhimselftoenragedTantor。Thegreatbeastturnedtooneside，boredownuponthecrooked，littleman，snuffedhimoutandthen，divertedfromhiscourse，blunderedawaytowardthesouth。Inafewminuteseventhenoiseofhistrumpetingwaslostinthedistance。
TarzandroppedtothegroundandLaslippedtoherfeetfromhisback。"Callyourpeopletogether，"saidTarzan。
"Theywillkillme，"repliedLa。
"Theywillnotkillyou，"contradictedtheape—man。
"NoonewillkillyouwhileTarzanoftheApesishere。
Callthemandwewilltalkwiththem。"
Laraisedhervoiceinaweird，flutelikecallthatcarriedfarintothejungleoneveryside。FromnearandfarcameansweringshoutsinthebarkingtonesoftheOparianpriests："Wecome！Wecome！"Againandagain，LarepeatedhersummonsuntilsinglyandinpairsthegreaterportionofherfollowingapproachedandhaltedashortdistanceawayfromtheHighPriestessandhersavior。Theycamewithscowlingbrowsandthreateningmien。WhenallhadcomeTarzanaddressedthem。
"YourLaissafe，"saidtheape—man。"Hadsheslainmeshewouldnowherselfbedeadandmanymoreofyou；butshesparedmethatImightsaveher。GoyourwaywithherbacktoOpar，andTarzanwillgohiswayintothejungle。LettherebepeacealwaysbetweenTarzanandLa。Whatisyouranswer？"
Thepriestsgrumbledandshooktheirheads。TheyspoketogetherandLaandTarzancouldseethattheywerenotfavorablyinclinedtowardtheproposition。TheydidnotwishtotakeLabackandtheydidwishtocompletethesacrificeofTarzantotheFlamingGod。Atlasttheape—manbecameimpatient。
"Youwillobeythecommandsofyourqueen，"hesaid，"andgobacktoOparwithherorTarzanoftheApeswillcalltogethertheothercreaturesofthejungleandslayyouall。LasavedmethatImightsaveyouandher。IhaveservedyoubetteralivethanIcouldhavedead。IfyouarenotallfoolsyouwillletmegomywayinpeaceandyouwillreturntoOparwithLa。
Iknownotwherethesacredknifeis；butyoucanfashionanother。HadInottakenitfromLayouwouldhaveslainmeandnowyourgodmustbegladthatItookitsinceIhavesavedhispriestessfromlove—madTantor。
WillyougobacktoOparwithLa，promisingthatnoharmshallbefallher？"
Thepriestsgatheredtogetherinalittleknotarguinganddiscussing。Theypoundedupontheirbreastswiththeirfists；theyraisedtheirhandsandeyestotheirfierygod；theygrowledandbarkedamongthemselvesuntilitbecameevidenttoTarzanthatoneoftheirnumberwaspreventingtheacceptanceofhisproposal。
ThiswastheHighPriestwhoseheartwasfilledwithjealousragebecauseLaopenlyacknowledgedherloveforthestranger，whenbytheworldlycustomsoftheircultsheshouldhavebelongedtohim。Seeminglytherewastobenosolutionoftheproblemuntilanotherprieststeppedforthand，raisinghishand，addressedLa。
"Cadj，theHighPriest，"heannounced，"wouldsacrificeyoubothtotheFlamingGod；butallofusexceptCadjwouldgladlyreturntoOparwithourqueen。"
"Youaremanyagainstone，"spokeupTarzan。
"Whyshouldyounothaveyourwill？GoyourwaywithLatoOparandifCadjinterferesslayhim。"
ThepriestsofOparwelcomedthissuggestionwithloudcriesofapproval。Tothemitappearednothingshortofdivineinspiration。Theinfluenceofagesofunquestioningobediencetohighpriestshadmadeitseemimpossibletothemtoquestionhisauthority；butwhentheyrealizedthattheycouldforcehimtotheirwilltheywereashappyaschildrenwithnewtoys。
TheyrushedforwardandseizedCadj。Theytalkedinloudmenacingtonesintohisear。Theythreatenedhimwithbludgeonandknifeuntilatlastheacquiescedintheirdemands，thoughsullenly，andthenTarzansteppedclosebeforeCadj。
"Priest，"hesaid，"LagoesbacktohertempleundertheprotectionofherpriestsandthethreatofTarzanoftheApesthatwhoeverharmshershalldie。TarzanwillgoagaintoOparbeforethenextrainsandifharmhasbefallenLa，woebetideCadj，theHighPriest。"
SullenlyCadjpromisednottoharmhisqueen。
"Protecther，"criedTarzantotheotherOparians。
"ProtecthersothatwhenTarzancomesagainhewillfindLatheretogreethim。"
"Lawillbetheretogreetthee，"exclaimedtheHighPriestess，"andLawillwait，longing，alwayslonging，untilyoucomeagain。Oh，tellmethatyouwillcome！"
"Whoknows？"askedtheape—manasheswungquicklyintothetreesandracedofftowardtheeast。
ForamomentLastoodlookingafterhim，thenherheaddrooped，asighescapedherlipsandlikeanoldwomanshetookupthemarchtowarddistantOpar。
ThroughthetreesracedTarzanoftheApesuntilthedarknessofnighthadsettleduponthejungle，thenhelaydownandslept，withnothoughtbeyondthemorrowandwithevenLabuttheshadowofamemorywithinhisconsciousness。
ButafewmarchestothenorthLadyGreystokelookedforwardtothedaywhenhermightylordandmastershoulddiscoverthecrimeofAchmetZek，andbespeedingtorescueandavenge，andevenasshepicturedthecomingofJohnClayton，theobjectofherthoughtssquattedalmostnaked，besideafallenlog，beneathwhichhewassearchingwithgrimyfingersforachancebeetleoralusciousgrub。
TwodayselapsedfollowingthetheftofthejewelsbeforeTarzangavethemathought。Then，astheychancedtoenterhismind，heconceivedadesiretoplaywiththemagain，and，havingnothingbettertodothansatisfythefirstwhimwhichpossessedhim，heroseandstartedacrosstheplainfromtheforestinwhichhehadspenttheprecedingday。
Thoughnomarkshowedwherethegemshadbeenburied，andthoughthespotresembledthebalanceofanunbrokenstretchseveralmilesinlength，wherethereedsterminatedattheedgeofthemeadowland，yettheape—manmovedwithunerringprecisiondirectlytotheplacewherehehadhidhistreasure。
Withhishuntingknifeheupturnedthelooseearth，beneathwhichthepouchshouldbe；but，thoughheexcavatedtoagreaterdistancethanthedepthoftheoriginalholetherewasnosignofpouchorjewels。
Tarzan’sbrowcloudedashediscoveredthathehadbeendespoiled。Littleornoreasoningwasrequiredtoconvincehimoftheidentityoftheguiltyparty，andwiththesameceleritythathadmarkedhisdecisiontounearththejewels，hesetoutuponthetrailofthethief。
Thoughthespoorwastwodaysold，andpracticallyobliteratedinmanyplaces，Tarzanfolloweditwithcomparativeease。Awhitemancouldnothavefollowedittwentypacestwelvehoursafterithadbeenmade，ablackmanwouldhavelostitwithinthefirstmile；butTarzanoftheApeshadbeenforcedinchildhoodtodevelopsensesthatanordinarymortalscarceeveruses。
Wemaynotethegarlicandwhiskyonthebreathofafellowstraphanger，orthecheapperfumeemanatingfromthepersonofthewondrousladysittinginfrontofus，anddeplorethefactofoursensitivenoses；
but，asamatteroffact，wecannotsmellatall，ourolfactoryorgansarepracticallyatrophied，bycomparisonwiththedevelopmentofthesenseamongthebeastsofthewild。
Whereafootisplacedaneffluviumremainsforaconsiderabletime。Itisbeyondtherangeofoursensibilities；buttoacreatureofthelowerorders，especiallytothehuntersandthehunted，asinterestingandofttimesmorelucidthanistheprintedpagetous。
NorwasTarzandependentaloneuponhissenseofsmell。
Visionandhearinghadbeenbroughttoamarvelousstateofdevelopmentbythenecessitiesofhisearlylife，wheresurvivalitselfdependedalmostdailyupontheexerciseofthekeenestvigilanceandtheconstantuseofallhisfaculties。
AndsohefollowedtheoldtrailoftheBelgianthroughtheforestandtowardthenorth；butbecauseoftheageofthetrailhewasconstrainedtoafarfromrapidprogress。ThemanhefollowedwastwodaysaheadofhimwhenTarzantookupthepursuit，andeachdayhegainedupontheape—man。Thelatter，however，feltnottheslightestdoubtastotheoutcome。Somedayhewouldoverhaulhisquarry——hecouldbidehistimeinpeaceuntilthatdaydawned。Doggedlyhefollowedthefaintspoor，pausingbydayonlytokillandeat，andatnightonlytosleepandrefreshhimself。
Occasionallyhepassedpartiesofsavagewarriors；butthesehegaveawideberth，forhewashuntingwithapurposethatwasnottobedistractedbytheminoraccidentsofthetrail。
ThesepartieswereofthecollectinghordesoftheWaziriandtheirallieswhichBasulihadscatteredhismessengersbroadcasttosummon。TheyweremarchingtoacommonrendezvousinpreparationforanassaultuponthestrongholdofAchmetZek；buttoTarzantheywereenemies——heretainednoconsciousmemoryofanyfriendshipfortheblackmen。
ItwasnightwhenhehaltedoutsidethepalisadedvillageoftheArabraider。Perchedinthebranchesofagreattreehegazeddownuponthelifewithintheenclosure。Tothisplacehadthespoorledhim。Hisquarrymustbewithin；buthowwashetofindhimamongsomanyhuts？Tarzan，althoughcognizantofhismightypowers，realizedalsohislimitations。Heknewthathecouldnotsuccessfullycopewithgreatnumbersinopenbattle。Hemustresorttothestealthandtrickeryofthewildbeast，ifheweretosucceed。
Sittinginthesafetyofhistree，munchinguponthelegboneofHorta，theboar，Tarzanwaitedafavorableopportunitytoenterthevillage。Forawhilehegnawedatthebulging，roundendsofthelargebone，splinteringoffsmallpiecesbetweenhisstrongjaws，andsuckingatthedeliciousmarrowwithin；butallthetimehecastrepeatedglancesintothevillage。Hesawwhite—robedfigures，andhalf—nakedblacks；butnotoncedidheseeonewhoresembledthestealerofthegems。
Patientlyhewaiteduntilthestreetsweredesertedbyallsavethesentriesatthegates，thenhedroppedlightlytotheground，circledtotheoppositesideofthevillageandapproachedthepalisade。
Athissidehungalong，rawhiderope——anaturalandmoredependableevolutionfromthegrassropeofhischildhood。Looseningthis，hespreadthenooseuponthegroundbehindhim，andwithaquickmovementofhiswristtossedthecoilsoveroneofthesharpenedprojectionsofthesummitofthepalisade。
Drawingthenoosetaut，hetestedthesolidityofitshold。Satisfied，theape—manrannimblyuptheverticalwall，aidedbytheropewhichheclutchedinbothhands。Onceatthetopitrequiredbutamomenttogatherthedanglingropeoncemoreintoitscoils，makeitfastagainathiswaist，takeaquickglancedownwardwithinthepalisade，and，assuredthatnoonelurkeddirectlybeneathhim，dropsoftlytotheground。
Nowhewaswithinthevillage。Beforehimstretchedaseriesoftentsandnativehuts。Thebusinessofexploringeachofthemwouldbefraughtwithdanger；
butdangerwasonlyanaturalfactorofeachday’slife——itneverappalledTarzan。Thechancesappealedtohim——thechancesoflifeanddeath，withhisprowessandhisfacultiespittedagainstthoseofaworthyantagonist。
Itwasnotnecessarythatheentereachhabitation——
throughadoor，awindoworanopenchink，hisnosetoldhimwhetherornothispreylaywithin。Forsometimehefoundonedisappointmentfollowingupontheheelsofanotherinquicksuccession。NospooroftheBelgianwasdiscernible。Butatlasthecametoatentwherethesmellofthethiefwasstrong。Tarzanlistened，hisearclosetothecanvasattherear，butnosoundcamefromwithin。
Atlasthecutoneofthepinropes，raisedthebottomofthecanvas，andintrudedhisheadwithintheinterior。Allwasquietanddark。Tarzancrawledcautiouslywithin——thescentoftheBelgianwasstrong；
butitwasnotlivescent。Evenbeforehehadexaminedtheinteriorminutely，Tarzanknewthatnoonewaswithinit。
Inonecornerhefoundapileofblanketsandclothingscatteredabout；butnopouchofprettypebbles。
Acarefulexaminationofthebalanceofthetentrevealednothingmore，atleastnothingtoindicatethepresenceofthejewels；butatthesidewheretheblanketsandclothinglay，theape—mandiscoveredthatthetentwallhadbeenloosenedatthebottom，andpresentlyhesensedthattheBelgianhadrecentlypassedoutofthetentbythisavenue。
Tarzanwasnotlonginfollowingthewaythathispreyhadfled。Thespoorledalwaysintheshadowandattherearofthehutsandtentsofthevillage——itwasquiteevidenttoTarzanthattheBelgianhadgonealoneandsecretlyuponhismission。Evidentlyhefearedtheinhabitantsofthevillage，oratleasthisworkhadbeenofsuchanaturethathedarednotriskdetection。
Atthebackofanativehutthespoorledthroughasmallholerecentlycutinthebrushwallandintothedarkinteriorbeyond。Fearlessly，Tarzanfollowedthetrail。Onhandsandknees，hecrawledthroughthesmallaperture。Withinthehuthisnostrilswereassailedbymanyodors；butclearanddistinctamongthemwasonethathalfarousedalatentmemoryofthepast——itwasthefaintanddelicateodorofawoman。
Withthecognizanceofitthereroseinthebreastoftheape—manastrangeuneasiness——theresultofanirresistibleforcewhichhewasdestinedtobecomeacquaintedwithanew——theinstinctwhichdrawsthemaletohismate。
InthesamehutwasthescentspooroftheBelgian，too，andasboththeseassailedthenostrilsoftheape—man，minglingonewiththeother，ajealousrageleapedandburnedwithinhim，thoughhismemoryheldbeforethemirrorofrecollectionnoimageoftheshetowhichhehadattachedhisdesire。
Likethetenthehadinvestigated，thehut，too，wasempty，andaftersatisfyinghimselfthathisstolenpouchwassecretednowherewithin，heleft，ashehadentered，bytheholeintherearwall。
HerehetookupthespooroftheBelgian，followeditacrosstheclearing，overthepalisade，andoutintothedarkjunglebeyond。
15
TheFlightofWerperAfterWerperhadarrangedthedummyinhisbed，andsneakedoutintothedarknessofthevillagebeneaththerearwallofhistent，hehadgonedirectlytothehutinwhichJaneClaytonwasheldcaptive。
Beforethedoorwaysquattedablacksentry。Werperapproachedhimboldly，spokeafewwordsinhisear，handedhimapackageoftobacco，andpassedintothehut。TheblackgrinnedandwinkedastheEuropeandisappearedwithinthedarknessoftheinterior。
TheBelgian，beingoneofAchmetZek’sprincipallieutenants，mightnaturallygowherehewishedwithinorwithoutthevillage，andsothesentryhadnotquestionedhisrighttoenterthehutwiththewhite，womanprisoner。
Within，WerpercalledinFrenchandinalowwhisper：
"LadyGreystoke！ItisI，M。Frecoult。Whereareyou？"
Buttherewasnoresponse。Hastilythemanfeltaroundtheinterior，gropingblindlythroughthedarknesswithoutstretchedhands。Therewasnoonewithin！
Werper’sastonishmentsurpassedwords。Hewasonthepointofsteppingwithouttoquestionthesentry，whenhiseyes，becomingaccustomedtothedark，discoveredablotchoflesserblacknessnearthebaseoftherearwallofthehut。Examinationrevealedthefactthattheblotchwasanopeningcutinthewall。Itwaslargeenoughtopermitthepassageofhisbody，andassuredashewasthatLadyGreystokehadpassedoutthroughtheapertureinanattempttoescapethevillage，helostnotimeinavailinghimselfofthesameavenue；
butneitherdidhelosetimeinafruitlesssearchforJaneClayton。
Hisownlifedependeduponthechanceofhiseluding，oroutdistancingAchmetZek，whenthatworthyshouldhavediscoveredthathehadescaped。HisoriginalplanhadcontemplatedconnivanceintheescapeofLadyGreystokefortwoverygoodandsufficientreasons。
ThefirstwasthatbysavingherhewouldwinthegratitudeoftheEnglish，andthuslessenthechanceofhisextraditionshouldhisidentityandhiscrimeagainsthissuperiorofficerbechargedagainsthim。
Thesecondreasonwasbaseduponthefactthatonlyonedirectionofescapewassafelyopentohim。HecouldnottraveltothewestbecauseoftheBelgianpossessionswhichlaybetweenhimandtheAtlantic。
Thesouthwasclosedtohimbythefearedpresenceofthesavageape—manhehadrobbed。TothenorthlaythefriendsandalliesofAchmetZek。Onlytowardtheeast，throughBritishEastAfrica，layreasonableassuranceoffreedom。
AccompaniedbyatitledEnglishwomanwhomhehadrescuedfromafrightfulfate，andhisidentityvouchedforbyherasthatofaFrenchmanbythenameofFrecoult，hehadlookedforward，andnotwithoutreason，totheactiveassistanceoftheBritishfromthemomentthathecameincontactwiththeirfirstoutpost。
ButnowthatLadyGreystokehaddisappeared，thoughhestilllookedtowardtheeastforhope，hischanceswerelessened，andanother，subsidiarydesigncompletelydashed。FromthemomentthathehadfirstlaideyesuponJaneClaytonhehadnursedwithinhisbreastasecretpassionforthebeautifulAmericanwifeoftheEnglishlord，andwhenAchmetZek’sdiscoveryofthejewelshadnecessitatedflight，theBelgianhaddreamed，inhisplanning，ofafutureinwhichhemightconvinceLadyGreystokethatherhusbandwasdead，andbyplayinguponhergratitudewinherforhimself。
Atthatpartofthevillagefarthestfromthegates，Werperdiscoveredthattwoorthreelongpoles，takenfromanearbypilewhichhadbeencollectedfortheconstructionofhuts，hadbeenleanedagainstthetopofthepalisade，formingaprecarious，thoughnotimpossibleavenueofescape。
Rightly，heinferredthatthushadLadyGreystokefoundthemeanstoscalethewall，nordidheloseevenamomentinfollowingherlead。Onceinthejunglehestruckoutdirectlyeastward。
Afewmilessouthofhim，JaneClaytonlaypantingamongthebranchesofatreeinwhichshehadtakenrefugefromaprowlingandhungrylioness。
Herescapefromthevillagehadbeenmucheasierthanshehadanticipated。Theknifewhichshehadusedtocutherwaythroughthebrushwallofthehuttofreedomshehadfoundstickinginthewallofherprison，doubtlesslefttherebyaccidentwhenaformertenanthadvacatedthepremises。
Tocrosstherearofthevillage，keepingalwaysinthedensestshadows，hadrequiredbutafewmoments，andthefortunatecircumstanceofthediscoveryofthehutpoleslyingsonearthepalisadehadsolvedforhertheproblemofthepassageofthehighwall。
Foranhourshehadfollowedtheoldgametrailtowardthesouth，untiltherefelluponhertrainedhearingthestealthypaddingofastalkingbeastbehindher。
Thenearesttreegaveherinstantsanctuary，forshewastoowiseinthewaysofthejungletochancehersafetyforamomentafterdiscoveringthatshewasbeinghunted。
Werper，withbettersuccess，traveledslowlyonwarduntildawn，when，tohischagrin，hediscoveredamountedArabuponhistrail。ItwasoneofAchmetZek’sminions，manyofwhomwerescatteredinalldirectionsthroughtheforest，searchingforthefugitiveBelgian。
JaneClayton’sescapehadnotyetbeendiscoveredwhenAchmetZekandhissearcherssetforthtooverhaulWerper。TheonlymanwhohadseentheBelgianafterhisdeparturefromhistentwastheblacksentrybeforethedoorwayofLadyGreystoke’sprisonhut，andhehadbeensilencedbythediscoveryofthedeadbodyofthemanwhohadrelievedhim，thesentrythatMugambihaddispatched。
ThebribetakernaturallyinferredthatWerperhadslainhisfellowanddarednotadmitthathehadpermittedhimtoenterthehut，fearingashedid，theangerofAchmetZek。So，aschancedirectedthatheshouldbetheonetodiscoverthebodyofthesentrywhenthefirstalarmhadbeengivenfollowingAchmetZek’sdiscoverythatWerperhadoutwittedhim，thecraftyblackhaddraggedthedeadbodytotheinteriorofanearbytent，andhimselfresumedhisstationbeforethedoorwayofthehutinwhichhestillbelievedthewomantobe。
WiththediscoveryoftheArabclosebehindhim，theBelgianhidinthefoliageofaleafybush。Herethetrailranstraightforaconsiderabledistance，anddowntheshadyforestaisle，beneaththeoverarchingbranchesofthetrees，rodethewhite—robedfigureofthepursuer。
Nearerandnearerhecame。Werpercrouchedclosertothegroundbehindtheleavesofhishidingplace。
Acrossthetrailavinemoved。Werper’seyesinstantlycentereduponthespot。Therewasnowindtostirthefoliageinthedepthsofthejungle。Againthevinemoved。InthemindoftheBelgianonlythepresenceofasinisterandmalevolentforcecouldaccountforthephenomenon。
Theman’seyesboredsteadilyintothescreenofleavesupontheoppositesideofthetrail。Graduallyaformtookshapebeyondthem——atawnyform，grimandterrible，withyellow—greeneyesglaringfearsomelyacrossthenarrowtrailstraightintohis。
Werpercouldhavescreamedinfright，butupthetrailwascomingthemessengerofanotherdeath，equallysureandnolessterrible。Heremainedsilent，almostparalyzedbyfear。TheArabapproached。AcrossthetrailfromWerperthelioncrouchedforthespring，whensuddenlyhisattentionwasattractedtowardthehorseman。
TheBelgiansawthemassiveheadturninthedirectionoftheraiderandhisheartallbutceaseditsbeatingasheawaitedtheresultofthisinterruption。Atawalkthehorsemanapproached。Wouldthenervousanimalherodetakefrightattheodorofthecarnivore，and，bolting，leaveWerperstilltothemerciesofthekingofbeasts？
Butheseemedunmindfulofthenearpresenceofthegreatcat。Onhecame，hisneckarched，champingatthebitbetweenhisteeth。TheBelgianturnedhiseyesagaintowardthelion。Thebeast’swholeattentionnowseemedriveteduponthehorseman。Theywereabreastthelionnow，andstillthebrutedidnotspring。
Couldhebebutwaitingforthemtopassbeforereturninghisattentiontotheoriginalprey？Werpershudderedandhalfrose。Atthesameinstantthelionsprangfromhisplaceofconcealment，fulluponthemountedman。Thehorse，withashrillneighofterror，shranksidewaysalmostupontheBelgian，theliondraggedthehelplessArabfromhissaddle，andthehorseleapedbackintothetrailandfledawaytowardthewest。
Buthedidnotfleealone。Asthefrightenedbeasthadpressedinuponhim，Werperhadnotbeenslowtonotethequicklyemptiedsaddleandtheopportunityitpresented。ScarcelyhadtheliondraggedtheArabdownfromoneside，thantheBelgian，seizingthepommelofthesaddleandthehorse’smane，leapeduponthehorse’sbackfromtheother。
Ahalfhourlateranakedgiant，swingingeasilythroughthelowerbranchesofthetrees，paused，andwithraisedhead，anddilatingnostrilssniffedthemorningair。Thesmellofbloodfellstronguponhissenses，andmingledwithitwasthescentofNuma，thelion。Thegiantcockedhisheadupononesideandlistened。
Fromashortdistanceupthetrailcametheunmistakablenoisesofthegreedyfeedingofalion。
Thecrunchingofbones，thegulpingofgreatpieces，thecontentedgrowling，allattestedthenearnessofthekingattable。
Tarzanapproachedthespot，stillkeepingtothebranchesofthetrees。Hemadenoefforttoconcealhisapproach，andpresentlyhehadevidencethatNumahadheardhim，fromtheominous，rumblingwarningthatbrokefromathicketbesidethetrail。
HaltinguponalowbranchjustabovethelionTarzanlookeddownuponthegrislyscene。Couldthisunrecognizablethingbethemanhehadbeentrailing？
Theape—manwondered。FromtimetotimehehaddescendedtothetrailandverifiedhisjudgmentbytheevidenceofhisscentthattheBelgianhadfollowedthisgametrailtowardtheeast。
Nowheproceededbeyondthelionandhisfeast，againdescendedandexaminedthegroundwithhisnose。
Therewasnoscentspoorhereofthemanhehadbeentrailing。Tarzanreturnedtothetree。Withkeeneyeshesearchedthegroundaboutthemutilatedcorpseforasignofthemissingpouchofprettypebbles；butnaughtcouldheseeofit。
HescoldedNumaandtriedtodrivethegreatbeastaway；butonlyangrygrowlsrewardedhisefforts。
Hetoresmallbranchesfromanearbylimbandhurledthemathisancientenemy。Numalookedupwithbaredfangs，grinninghideously，buthedidnotrisefromhiskill。
ThenTarzanfittedanarrowtohisbow，anddrawingtheslimshaftfarbackletdrivewithalltheforceofthetoughwoodthatonlyhecouldbend。Asthearrowsankdeeplyintohisside，Numaleapedtohisfeetwitharoarofmingledrageandpain。Heleapedfutilelyatthegrinningape—man，toreattheprotrudingendoftheshaft，andthen，springingintothetrail，pacedbackandforthbeneathhistormentor。AgainTarzanloosedaswiftbolt。Thistimethemissile，aimedwithcare，lodgedinthelion’sspine。Thegreatcreaturehaltedinitstracks，andlurchedawkwardlyforwarduponitsface，paralyzed。
Tarzandroppedtothetrail，ranquicklytothebeast’sside，anddrovehisspeardeepintothefierceheart，thenafterrecoveringhisarrowsturnedhisattentiontothemutilatedremainsoftheanimal’spreyinthenearbythicket。
Thefacewasgone。TheArabgarmentsarousednodoubtastotheman’sidentity，sincehehadtrailedhimintotheArabcampandoutagain，wherehemighteasilyhaveacquiredtheapparel。SosurewasTarzanthatthebodywasthatofhewhohadrobbedhimthathemadenoefforttoverifyhisdeductionsbyscentamongtheconglomerateodorsofthegreatcarnivoreandthefreshbloodofthevictim。
Heconfinedhisattentionstoacarefulsearchforthepouch，butnowhereuponoraboutthecorpsewasanysignofthemissingarticleoritscontents。Theape—manwasdisappointed——possiblynotsomuchbecauseofthelossofthecoloredpebblesaswithNumaforrobbinghimofthepleasuresofrevenge。
Wonderingwhatcouldhavebecomeofhispossessions，theape—manturnedslowlybackalongthetrailinthedirectionfromwhichhehadcome。InhismindherevolvedaplantoenterandsearchtheArabcamp，afterdarknesshadagainfallen。Takingtothetrees，hemoveddirectlysouthinsearchofprey，thathemightsatisfyhishungerbeforemidday，andthenlieupfortheafternooninsomespotfarfromthecamp，wherehemightsleepwithoutfearofdiscoveryuntilitcametimetoprosecutehisdesign。
Scarcelyhadhequittedthetrailwhenatall，blackwarrior，movingatadoggedtrot，passedtowardtheeast。ItwasMugambi，searchingforhismistress。
Hecontinuedalongthetrail，haltingtoexaminethebodyofthedeadlion。Anexpressionofpuzzlementcrossedhisfeaturesashebenttosearchforthewoundswhichhadcausedthedeathofthejunglelord。Tarzanhadremovedhisarrows，buttoMugambitheproofofdeathwasasstrongasthoughboththelightermissilesandthespearstillprotrudedfromthecarcass。
Theblacklookedfurtivelyabouthim。Thebodywasstillwarm，andfromthisfacthereasonedthatthekillerwascloseathand，yetnosignoflivingmanappeared。Mugambishookhishead，andcontinuedalongthetrail，butwithredoubledcaution。
Alldayhetraveled，stoppingoccasionallytocallaloudthesingleword，"Lady，"inthehopethatatlastshemighthearandrespond；butintheendhisloyaldevotionbroughthimtodisaster。
Fromthenortheast，forseveralmonths，AbdulMourak，incommandofadetachmentofAbyssiniansoldiers，hadbeenassiduouslysearchingfortheArabraider，AchmetZek，who，sixmonthspreviously，hadaffrontedthemajestyofAbdulMourak’semperorbyconductingaslaveraidwithintheboundariesofMenelek’sdomain。
AndnowithappenedthatAbdulMourakhadhaltedforashortrestatnoonuponthisverydayandalongthesametrailthatWerperandMugambiwerefollowingtowardtheeast。
ItwasshortlyafterthesoldiershaddismountedthattheBelgian，unawareoftheirpresence，rodehistiredmountalmostintotheirmidst，beforehehaddiscoveredthem。Instantlyhewassurrounded，andavolleyofquestionshurledathim，ashewaspulledfromhishorseandledtowardthepresenceofthecommander。
FallingbackuponhisEuropeannationality，WerperassuredAbdulMourakthathewasaFrenchman，huntinginAfrica，andthathehadbeenattackedbystrangers，hissafarikilledorscattered，andhimselfescapingonlybyamiracle。
FromachanceremarkoftheAbyssinian，Werperdiscoveredthepurposeoftheexpedition，andwhenherealizedthatthesemenweretheenemiesofAchmetZek，hetookheart，andimmediatelyblamedhispredicamentupontheArab。
Lest，however，hemightagainfallintothehandsoftheraider，hediscouragedAbdulMourakinthefurtherprosecutionofhispursuit，assuringtheAbyssinianthatAchmetZekcommandedalargeanddangerousforce，andalsothathewasmarchingrapidlytowardthesouth。
Convincedthatitwouldtakealongtimetooverhaultheraider，andthatthechancesofengagementmadetheoutcomeextremelyquestionable，Mourak，nonetoounwillingly，abandonedhisplanandgavethenecessaryordersforhiscommandtopitchcampwheretheywere，preparatorytotakingupthereturnmarchtowardAbyssiniathefollowingmorning。
Itwaslateintheafternoonthattheattentionofthecampwasattractedtowardthewestbythesoundofapowerfulvoicecallingasingleword，repeatedseveraltimes："Lady！Lady！Lady！"
Truetotheirinstinctsofprecaution，anumberofAbyssinians，actingunderordersfromAbdulMourak，advancedstealthilythroughthejungletowardtheauthorofthecall。
Ahalfhourlatertheyreturned，draggingMugambiamongthem。Thefirstpersonthebigblack’seyesfelluponashewashustledintothepresenceoftheAbyssinianofficer，wasM。JulesFrecoult，theFrenchmanwhohadbeentheguestofhismasterandwhomhelasthadseenenteringthevillageofAchmetZekundercircumstanceswhichpointedtohisfamiliarityandfriendshipfortheraiders。
Betweenthedisastersthathadbefallenhismasterandhismaster’shouse，andtheFrenchman，Mugambisawasinisterrelationship，whichkepthimfromrecallingtoWerper’sattentiontheidentitywhichthelatterevidentlyfailedtorecognize。
Pleadingthathewasbutaharmlesshunterfromatribefarthersouth，Mugambibeggedtobeallowedtogouponhisway；butAbdulMourak，admiringthewarrior’ssplendidphysique，decidedtotakehimbacktoAdisAbebaandpresenthimtoMenelek。AfewmomentslaterMugambiandWerperweremarchedawayunderguard，andtheBelgianlearnedforthefirsttime，thathetoowasaprisonerratherthanaguest。Invainheprotestedagainstsuchtreatment，untilastrappingsoldierstruckhimacrossthemouthandthreatenedtoshoothimifhedidnotdesist。
Mugambitookthematterlesstoheart，forhehadnottheslightestdoubtbutthatduringthecourseofthejourneyhewouldfindampleopportunitytoeludethevigilanceofhisguardsandmakegoodhisescape。
Withthisideaalwaysuppermostinhismind，hecourtedthegoodopinionoftheAbyssinians，askedthemmanyquestionsabouttheiremperorandtheircountry，andevincedagrowingdesiretoreachtheirdestination，thathemightenjoyallthegoodthingswhichtheyassuredhimthecityofAdisAbebacontained。Thushedisarmedtheirsuspicions，andeachdayfoundaslightrelaxationoftheirwatchfulnessoverhim。
BytakingadvantageofthefactthatheandWerperalwayswerekepttogether，MugambisoughttolearnwhattheotherknewofthewhereaboutsofTarzan，ortheauthorshipoftheraiduponthebungalow，aswellasthefateofLadyGreystoke；butashewasconfinedtotheaccidentsofconversationforthisinformation，notdaringtoacquaintWerperwithhistrueidentity，andasWerperwasequallyanxioustoconcealfromtheworldhispartinthedestructionofhishost’shomeandhappiness，Mugambilearnednothing——atleastinthisway。
Buttherecameatimewhenhelearnedaverysurprisingthing，byaccident。
Thepartyhadcampedearlyintheafternoonofasultryday，uponthebanksofaclearandbeautifulstream。
Thebottomoftheriverwasgravelly，therewasnoindicationofcrocodiles，thosemenacestopromiscuousbathingintheriversofcertainportionsofthedarkcontinent，andsotheAbyssinianstookadvantageoftheopportunitytoperformlong—deferred，andmuchneeded，ablutions。
AsWerper，who，withMugambi，hadbeengivenpermissiontoenterthewater，removedhisclothing，theblacknotedthecarewithwhichheunfastenedsomethingwhichcircledhiswaist，andwhichhetookoffwithhisshirt，keepingthelatteralwaysaroundandconcealingtheobjectofhissuspicioussolicitude。
Itwasthisverycarefulnesswhichattractedtheblack’sattentiontothething，arousinganaturalcuriosityinthewarrior’smind，andsoitchancedthatwhentheBelgian，inthenervousnessofovercaution，fumbledthehiddenarticleanddroppedit，Mugambisawitasitfellupontheground，spillingaportionofitscontentsonthesward。
NowMugambihadbeentoLondonwithhismaster。
Hewasnottheunsophisticatedsavagethathisapparelproclaimedhim。Hehadmingledwiththecosmopolitanhordesofthegreatestcityintheworld；hehadvisitedmuseumsandinspectedshopwindows；and，besides，hewasashrewdandintelligentman。
TheinstantthatthejewelsofOparrolled，scintillating，beforehisastonishedeyes，herecognizedthemforwhattheywere；butherecognizedsomethingelse，too，thatinterestedhimfarmoredeeplythanthevalueofthestones。Athousandtimeshehadseentheleathernpouchwhichdangledathismaster’sside，whenTarzanoftheApeshad，inaspiritofplayandadventure，electedtoreturnforafewhourstotheprimitivemannersandcustomsofhisboyhood，andsurroundedbyhisnakedwarriorshuntthelionandtheleopard，thebuffaloandtheelephantafterthemannerhelovedbest。
WerpersawthatMugambihadseenthepouchandthestones。Hastilyhegatheredupthepreciousgemsandreturnedthemtotheircontainer，whileMugambi，assuminganairofindifference，strolleddowntotheriverforhisbath。
ThefollowingmorningAbdulMourakwasenragedandchagrinedtodiscoverthatthishuge，blackprisonerhadescapedduringthenight，whileWerperwasterrifiedforthesamereason，untilhistremblingfingersdiscoveredthepouchstillinitsplacebeneathhisshirt，andwithinitthehardoutlinesofitscontents。
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TarzanAgainLeadstheManganiAchmetZekwithtwoofhisfollowershadcircledfartothesouthtointercepttheflightofhisdesertinglieutenant，Werper。Othershadspreadoutinvariousdirections，sothatavastcirclehadbeenformedbythemduringthenight，andnowtheywerebeatingintowardthecenter。
Achmetandthetwowithhimhaltedforashortrestjustbeforenoon。Theysquattedbeneaththetreesuponthesouthernedgeofaclearing。Thechiefoftheraiderswasinillhumor。Tohavebeenoutwittedbyanunbelieverwasbadenough；buttohave，atthesametime，lostthejewelsuponwhichhehadsethisavariciousheartwasaltogethertoomuch——Allahmust，indeedbeangrywithhisservant。
Well，hestillhadthewoman。Shewouldbringafairpriceinthenorth，andtherewas，too，theburiedtreasurebesidetheruinsoftheEnglishman’shouse。
AslightnoiseinthejungleupontheoppositesideoftheclearingbroughtAchmetZektoimmediateandalertattention。Hegatheredhisrifleinreadinessforinstantuse，atthesametimemotioninghisfollowerstosilenceandconcealment。Crouchingbehindthebushesthethreewaited，theireyesfasteneduponthefarsideoftheopenspace。
Presentlythefoliagepartedandawoman’sfaceappeared，glancingfearfullyfromsidetoside。
Amomentlater，evidentlysatisfiedthatnoimmediatedangerlurkedbeforeher，shesteppedoutintotheclearinginfullviewoftheArab。
AchmetZekcaughthisbreathwithamutteredexclamationofincredulityandanimprecation。
Thewomanwastheprisonerhehadthoughtsafelyguardedathiscamp！
Apparentlyshewasalone，butAchmetZekwaitedthathemightmakesureofitbeforeseizingher。SlowlyJaneClaytonstartedacrosstheclearing。Twicealreadysinceshehadquittedthevillageoftheraidershadshebarelyescapedthefangsofcarnivora，andonceshehadalmoststumbledintothepathofoneofthesearchers。Thoughshewasalmostdespairingofeverreachingsafetyshestillwasdeterminedtofighton，untildeathorsuccessterminatedherendeavors。
AstheArabswatchedherfromthesafetyoftheirconcealment，andAchmetZeknotedwithsatisfactionthatshewaswalkingdirectlyintohisclutches，anotherpairofeyeslookeddownupontheentirescenefromthefoliageofanadjacenttree。
Puzzled，troubledeyestheywere，foralltheirgrayandsavageglint，fortheirownerwasstrugglingwithanintangiblesuggestionofthefamiliarityofthefaceandfigureofthewomanbelowhim。
AsuddencrashingofthebushesatthepointfromwhichJaneClaytonhademergedintotheclearingbroughthertoasuddenstopandattractedtheattentionoftheArabsandthewatcherinthetreetothesamepoint。
Thewomanwheeledabouttoseewhatnewdangermenacedherfrombehind，andasshedidsoagreat，anthropoidapewaddledintoview。Behindhimcameanotherandanother；butLadyGreystokedidnotwaittolearnhowmanymoreofthehideouscreaturesweresocloseuponhertrail。
Withasmotheredscreamsherushedtowardtheoppositejungle，andasshereachedthebushesthere，AchmetZekandhistwohenchmenroseupandseizedher。Atthesameinstantanaked，browngiantdroppedfromthebranchesofatreeattherightoftheclearing。
Turningtowardtheastonishedapeshegavevoicetoashortvolleyoflowgutturals，andwithoutwaitingtonotetheeffectofhiswordsuponthem，wheeledandchargedfortheArabs。
AchmetZekwasdraggingJaneClaytontowardhistetheredhorse。Histwomenwerehastilyunfasteningallthreemounts。Thewoman，strugglingtoescapetheArab，turnedandsawtheape—manrunningtowardher。
Agladlightofhopeilluminatedherface。
"John！"shecried。"ThankGodthatyouhavecomeintime。"
BehindTarzancamethegreatapes，wondering，butobedienttohissummons。TheArabssawthattheywouldnothavetimetomountandmaketheirescapebeforethebeastsandthemanwereuponthem。AchmetZekrecognizedthelatterastheredoubtableenemyofsuchashe，andhesaw，too，inthecircumstanceanopportunitytoridhimselfforeverofthemenaceoftheape—man’spresence。
Callingtohismentofollowhisexampleheraisedhisrifleandleveledituponthecharginggiant。Hisfollowers，actingwithnolessalacritythanhimself，firedalmostsimultaneously，andwiththereportsoftherifles，TarzanoftheApesandtwoofhishairyhenchmenpitchedforwardamongthejunglegrasses。
Thenoiseoftherifleshotsbroughtthebalanceoftheapestoawonderingpause，and，takingadvantageoftheirmomentarydistraction，AchmetZekandhisfellowsleapedtotheirhorses’backsandgallopedawaywiththenowhopelessandgrief—strickenwoman。
Backtothevillagetheyrode，andonceagainLadyGreystokefoundherselfincarceratedinthefilthy，littlehutfromwhichshehadthoughttohaveescapedforgood。Butthistimeshewasnotonlyguardedbyanadditionalsentry，butboundaswell。
SinglyandintwosthesearcherswhohadriddenoutwithAchmetZekuponthetrailoftheBelgian，returnedemptyhanded。Withthereportofeachtheraider’srageandchagrinincreased，untilhewasinsuchatransportofferociousangerthatnonedaredapproachhim。Threateningandcursing，AchmetZekpacedupanddownthefloorofhissilkentent；buthistemperservedhimnaught——Werperwasgoneandwithhimthefortuneinscintillatinggemswhichhadarousedthecupidityofhischiefandplacedthesentenceofdeathupontheheadofthelieutenant。
WiththeescapeoftheArabsthegreatapeshadturnedtheirattentiontotheirfallencomrades。Onewasdead，butanotherandthegreatwhiteapestillbreathed。Thehairymonstersgatheredaboutthesetwo，grumblingandmutteringafterthefashionoftheirkind。
Tarzanwasthefirsttoregainconsciousness。Sittingup，helookedabouthim。Bloodwasflowingfromawoundinhisshoulder。Theshockhadthrownhimdownanddazedhim；buthewasfarfromdead。Risingslowlytohisfeethelethiseyeswandertowardthespotwherelasthehadseentheshe，whohadarousedwithinhissavagebreastsuchstrangeemotions。
"Whereisshe？"heasked。
"TheTarmanganitookheraway，"repliedoneoftheapes。
"WhoareyouwhospeakthelanguageoftheMangani？"
"IamTarzan，"repliedtheape—man；"mightyhunter，greatestoffighters。WhenIroar，thejungleissilentandtrembleswithterror。IamTarzanoftheApes。Ihavebeenaway；butnowIhavecomebacktomypeople。"
"Yes，"spokeupanoldape，"heisTarzan。Iknowhim。
Itiswellthathehascomeback。Nowweshallhavegoodhunting。"
Theotherapescamecloserandsniffedattheape—man。
Tarzanstoodverystill，hisfangshalfbared，andhismusclestenseandreadyforaction；buttherewasnonetheretoquestionhisrighttobewiththem，andpresently，theinspectionsatisfactorilyconcluded，theapesagainreturnedtheirattentiontotheothersurvivor。
Hetoowasbutslightlywounded，abullet，grazinghisskull，havingstunnedhim，sothatwhenheregainedconsciousnesshewasapparentlyasfitasever。
TheapestoldTarzanthattheyhadbeentravelingtowardtheeastwhenthescentspooroftheshehadattractedthemandtheyhadstalkedher。Nowtheywishedtocontinueupontheirinterruptedmarch；butTarzanpreferredtofollowtheArabsandtakethewomanfromthem。AfteraconsiderableargumentitwasdecidedthattheyshouldfirsthunttowardtheeastforafewdaysandthenreturnandsearchfortheArabs，andastimeisoflittlemomenttotheapefolk，Tarzanaccededtotheirdemands，he，himself，havingrevertedtoamentalstatebutlittlesuperiortotheirown。
AnothercircumstancewhichdecidedhimtopostponepursuitoftheArabswasthepainfulnessofhiswound。
ItwouldbebettertowaituntilthathadhealedbeforehepittedhimselfagainagainstthegunsoftheTarmangani。
Andso，asJaneClaytonwaspushedintoherprisonhutandherhandsandfeetsecurelybound，hernaturalprotectorroamedofftowardtheeastincompanywithascoreofhairymonsters，withwhomherubbedshouldersasfamiliarlyasafewmonthsbeforehehadmingledwithhisimmaculatefellow—membersofoneofLondon’smostselectandexclusiveclubs。
Butallthetimetherelurkedinthebackofhisinjuredbrainatroublesomeconvictionthathehadnobusinesswherehewas——thatheshouldbe，forsomeunaccountablereason，elsewhereandamonganothersortofcreature。Also，therewasthecompellingurgetobeuponthescentoftheArabs，undertakingtherescueofthewomanwhohadappealedsostronglytohissavagesentiments；thoughthethought—wordwhichnaturallyoccurredtohiminthecontemplationoftheventure，was"capture，"ratherthan"rescue。"
Tohimshewasasanyotherjungleshe，andhehadsethisheartuponherashismate。Foraninstant，ashehadapproachedclosertoherintheclearingwheretheArabshadseizedher，thesubtlearomawhichhadfirstarousedhisdesiresinthehutthathadimprisonedherhadfallenuponhisnostrils，andtoldhimthathehadfoundthecreatureforwhomhehaddevelopedsosuddenandinexplicableapassion。