Thematterofthepouchofjewelsalsooccupiedhisthoughtstosomeextent，sothathefoundadoubleurgeforhisreturntothecampoftheraiders。Hewouldobtainpossessionofbothhisprettypebblesandtheshe。Thenhewouldreturntothegreatapeswithhisnewmateandhisbaubles，andleadinghishairycompanionsintoafarwildernessbeyondthekenofman，liveouthislife，huntingandbattlingamongthelowerordersaftertheonlymannerwhichhenowrecollected。
Hespoketohisfellow—apesuponthematter，inanattempttopersuadethemtoaccompanyhim；butallexceptTaglatandChulkrefused。Thelatterwasyoungandstrong，endowedwithagreaterintelligencethanhisfellows，andthereforethepossessorofbetterdevelopedpowersofimagination。Tohimtheexpeditionsavoredofadventure，andsoappealed，strongly。WithTaglattherewasanotherincentive——asecretandsinisterincentive，which，hadTarzanoftheApeshadknowledgeofit，wouldhavesenthimattheother’sthroatinjealousrage。
Taglatwasnolongeryoung；buthewasstillaformidablebeast，mightilymuscled，cruel，and，becauseofhisgreaterexperience，craftyandcunning。
Too，hewasofgiantproportions，theveryweightofhishugebulkservingofttimestodiscountinhisfavorthesuperioragilityofayoungerantagonist。
Hewasofamoroseandsullendispositionthatmarkedhimevenamonghisfrowningfellows，wheresuchcharacteristicsaretheruleratherthantheexception，and，thoughTarzandidnotguessit，hehatedtheape—manwithaferocitythathewasabletohideonlybecausethedominantspiritofthenoblercreaturehadinspiredwithinhimaspeciesofdreadwhichwasaspowerfulasitwasinexplicabletohim。
Thesetwo，then，weretobeTarzan’scompanionsuponhisreturntothevillageofAchmetZek。Astheysetoff，thebalanceofthetribevouchsafedthembutapartingstare，andthenresumedtheseriousbusinessoffeeding。
Tarzanfounddifficultyinkeepingthemindsofhisfellowssetuponthepurposeoftheiradventure，forthemindofanapelacksthepoweroflong—sustainedconcentration。Tosetoutuponalongjourney，withadefinitedestinationinview，isonething，torememberthatpurposeandkeepituppermostinone’smindcontinuallyisquiteanother。Therearesomanythingstodistractone’sattentionalongtheway。
Chulkwas，atfirst，forrushingrapidlyaheadasthoughthevillageoftheraiderslaybutanhour’smarchbeforetheminsteadofseveraldays；butwithinafewminutesafallentreeattractedhisattentionwithitssuggestionofrichandsucculentforagebeneath，andwhenTarzan，missinghim，returnedinsearch，hefoundChulksquattingbesidetherottingbole，frombeneathwhichhewasassiduouslyengagedindiggingoutthegrubsandbeetles，whosekindformaconsiderableproportionofthedietoftheapes。
UnlessTarzandesiredtofighttherewasnothingtodobutwaituntilChulkhadexhaustedthestorehouse，andthishedid，onlytodiscoverthatTaglatwasnowmissing。Afteraconsiderablesearch，hefoundthatworthygentlemancontemplatingthesufferingsofaninjuredrodenthehadpouncedupon。Hewouldsitinapparentindifference，gazinginanotherdirection，whilethecrippledcreature，wriggledslowlyandpainfullyawayfromhim，andthen，justashisvictimfeltassuredofescape，hewouldreachoutagiantpalmandslamitdownuponthefugitive。Againandagainherepeatedthisoperation，until，tiringofthesport，heendedthesufferingsofhisplaythingbydevouringit。
SuchweretheexasperatingcausesofdelaywhichretardedTarzan’sreturnjourneytowardthevillageofAchmetZek；buttheape—manwaspatient，forinhismindwasaplanwhichnecessitatedthepresenceofChulkandTaglatwhenheshouldhavearrivedathisdestination。
Itwasnotalwaysaneasythingtomaintaininthevacillatingmindsoftheanthropoidsasustainedinterestintheirventure。Chulkwaswearyingofthecontinuedmarchingandtheinfrequencyandshortdurationoftherests。HewouldgladlyhaveabandonedthissearchforadventurehadnotTarzancontinuallyfilledhismindwithalluringpicturesofthegreatstoresoffoodwhichweretobefoundinthevillageofTarmangani。
Taglatnursedhissecretpurposetobetteradvantagethanmighthavebeenexpectedofanape，yetthereweretimeswhenhe，too，wouldhaveabandonedtheadventurehadnotTarzancajoledhimon。
Itwasmid—afternoonofasultry，tropicaldaywhenthekeensensesofthethreewarnedthemoftheproximityoftheArabcamp。Stealthilytheyapproached，keepingtothedensetangleofgrowingthingswhichmadeconcealmenteasytotheiruncannyjunglecraft。
Firstcamethegiantape—man，hissmooth，brownskinglisteningwiththesweatofexertionintheclose，hotconfinesofthejungle。BehindhimcreptChulkandTaglat，grotesqueandshaggycaricaturesoftheirgodlikeleader。
Silentlytheymadetheirwaytotheedgeoftheclearingwhichsurroundedthepalisade，andheretheyclamberedintothelowerbranchesofalargetreeoverlookingthevillageoccupiedbytheenemy，thebettertospyuponhisgoingsandcomings。
Ahorseman，whiteburnoosed，rodeoutthroughthegatewayofthevillage。Tarzan，whisperingtoChulkandTaglattoremainwheretheywere，swung，monkey—like，throughthetreesinthedirectionofthetrailtheArabwasriding。Fromonejunglegianttothenexthespedwiththerapidityofasquirrelandthesilenceofaghost。
TheArabrodeslowlyonward，unconsciousofthedangerhoveringinthetreesbehindhim。Theape—manmadeaslightdetourandincreasedhisspeeduntilhehadreachedapointuponthetrailinadvanceofthehorseman。Herehehalteduponaleafyboughwhichoverhungthenarrow，jungletrail。Oncamethevictim，hummingawildairofthegreatdesertlandofthenorth。Abovehimpoisedthesavagebrutethatwastodaybentuponthedestructionofahumanlife——thesamecreaturewhoafewmonthsbefore，hadoccupiedhisseatintheHouseofLordsatLondon，arespectedanddistinguishedmemberofthataugustbody。
TheArabpassedbeneaththeoverhangingbough，therewasaslightrustlingoftheleavesabove，thehorsesnortedandplungedasabrown—skinnedcreaturedroppeduponitsrump。ApairofmightyarmsencircledtheArabandhewasdraggedfromhissaddletothetrail。
Tenminuteslatertheape—man，carryingtheoutergarmentsofanArabbundledbeneathanarm，rejoinedhiscompanions。Heexhibitedhistrophiestothem，explaininginlowgutturalsthedetailsofhisexploit。
ChulkandTaglatfingeredthefabrics，smelledofthem，and，placingthemtotheirears，triedtolistentothem。
ThenTarzanledthembackthroughthejungletothetrail，wherethethreehidthemselvesandwaited。
NorhadtheylongtowaitbeforetwoofAchmetZek’sblacks，clothedinhabilimentssimilartotheirmaster’s，camedownthetrailonfoot，returningtothecamp。
Onemomenttheywerelaughingandtalkingtogether——thenexttheylaystretchedindeathuponthetrail，threemightyenginesofdestructionbendingoverthem。
Tarzanremovedtheiroutergarmentsashehadremovedthoseofhisfirstvictim，andagainretiredwithChulkandTaglattothegreaterseclusionofthetreetheyhadfirstselected。
Heretheape—manarrangedthegarmentsuponhisshaggyfellowsandhimself，until，atadistance，itmighthaveappearedthatthreewhite—robedArabssquattedsilentlyamongthebranchesoftheforest。
Untildarktheyremainedwheretheywere，forfromhispointofvantage，Tarzancouldviewtheenclosurewithinthepalisade。Hemarkedthepositionofthehutinwhichhehadfirstdiscoveredthescentspooroftheshehesought。Hesawthetwosentriesstandingbeforeitsdoorway，andhelocatedthehabitationofAchmetZek，wheresomethingtoldhimhewouldmostlikelyfindthemissingpouchandpebbles。
ChulkandTaglatwere，atfirst，greatlyinterestedintheirwonderfulraiment。Theyfingeredthefabric，smelledofit，andregardedeachotherintentlywitheverymarkofsatisfactionandpride。Chulk，ahumoristinhisway，stretchedforthalongandhairyarm，andgraspingthehoodofTaglat’sburnoosepulleditdownoverthelatter’seyes，extinguishinghim，snuffer—like，asitwere。
Theolderape，pessimisticbynature，recognizednosuchthingashumor。Creatureslaidtheirpawsuponhimforbuttwothings——tosearchforfleasandtoattack。ThepullingoftheTarmangani—scentedthingabouthisheadandeyescouldnotbefortheperformanceoftheformeract；thereforeitmustbethelatter。Hewasattacked！Chulkhadattackedhim。
Withasnarlhewasattheother’sthroat，notevenwaitingtoliftthewoolenveilwhichobscuredhisvision。Tarzanleapeduponthetwo，andswayingandtopplingupontheirinsecureperchthethreegreatbeaststussledandsnappedatoneanotheruntiltheape—manfinallysucceededinseparatingtheenragedanthropoids。
Anapologyisunknowntothesesavageprogenitorsofman，andexplanationalaboriousandusuallyfutileprocess，Tarzanbridgedthedangerousgulfbydistractingtheirattentionfromtheiraltercationtoaconsiderationoftheirplansfortheimmediatefuture。
Accustomedtofrequentargumentsinwhichmorehairthanbloodiswasted，theapesspeedilyforgetsuchtrivialencounters，andpresentlyChulkandTaglatwereagainsquattingincloseproximitytoeachotherandpeacefulrepose，awaitingthemomentwhentheape—manshouldleadthemintothevillageoftheTarmangani。
Itwaslongafterdarknesshadfallen，thatTarzanledhiscompanionsfromtheirhidingplaceinthetreetothegroundandaroundthepalisadetothefarsideofthevillage。
Gatheringtheskirtsofhisburnoose，beneathonearm，thathislegsmighthavefreeaction，theape—mantookashortrunningstart，andscrambledtothetopofthebarrier。Fearinglesttheapesshouldrendtheirgarmentstoshredsinasimilarattempt，hehaddirectedthemtowaitbelowforhim，andhimselfsecurelypercheduponthesummitofthepalisadeheunslunghisspearandloweredoneendofittoChulk。
Theapeseizedit，andwhileTarzanheldtightlytotheupperend，theanthropoidclimbedquicklyuptheshaftuntilwithonepawhegraspedthetopofthewall。
ToscramblethentoTarzan’ssidewastheworkofbutaninstant。InlikemannerTaglatwasconductedtotheirsides，andamomentlaterthethreedroppedsilentlywithintheenclosure。
TarzanledthemfirsttotherearofthehutinwhichJaneClaytonwasconfined，where，throughtheroughlyrepairedapertureinthewall，hesoughtwithhissensitivenostrilsforproofthattheshehehadcomeforwaswithin。
ChulkandTaglat，theirhairyfacespressedclosetothatofthepatrician，sniffedwithhim。Eachcaughtthescentspoorofthewomanwithin，andeachreactedaccordingtohistemperamentandhishabitsofthought。
ItleftChulkindifferent。TheshewasforTarzan——allthathedesiredwastoburyhissnoutinthefoodstuffsoftheTarmangani。Hehadcometoeathisfillwithoutlabor——Tarzanhadtoldhimthatthatshouldbehisreward，andhewassatisfied。
ButTaglat’swicked，bloodshoteyes，narrowedtotherealizationofthenearingfulfillmentofhiscarefullynursedplan。ItistruethatsometimesduringtheseveraldaysthathadelapsedsincetheyhadsetoutupontheirexpeditionithadbeendifficultforTaglattoholdhisideauppermostinhismind，andonseveraloccasionshehadcompletelyforgottenit，untilTarzan，byachanceword，hadrecalledittohim，but，foranape，Taglathaddonewell。
Now，helickedhischops，andhemadeasickening，suckingnoisewithhisflabbylipsashedrewinhisbreath。
Satisfiedthattheshewaswherehehadhopedtofindher，TarzanledhisapestowardthetentofAchmetZek。
ApassingArabandtwoslavessawthem，butthenightwasdarkandthewhiteburnooseshidthehairylimbsoftheapesandthegiantfigureoftheirleader，sothatthethree，bysquattingdownasthoughinconversation，werepassedby，unsuspected。Totherearofthetenttheymadetheirway。Within，AchmetZekconversedwithseveralofhislieutenants。Without，Tarzanlistened。
17
TheDeadlyPerilofJaneClaytonLieutenantAlbertWerper，terrifiedbycontemplationofthefatewhichmightawaithimatAdisAbeba，castaboutforsomeschemeofescape，butaftertheblackMugambihadeludedtheirvigilancetheAbyssiniansredoubledtheirprecautionstopreventWerperfollowingtheleadoftheNegro。
ForsometimeWerperentertainedtheideaofbribingAbdulMourakwithaportionofthecontentsofthepouch；butfearingthatthemanwoulddemandallthegemsasthepriceofliberty，theBelgian，influencedbyavarice，soughtanotheravenuefromhisdilemma。
Itwasthenthattheredawneduponhimthepossibilityofthesuccessofadifferentcoursewhichwouldstillleavehiminpossessionofthejewels，whileatthesametimesatisfyingthegreedoftheAbyssinianwiththeconvictionthathehadobtainedallthatWerperhadtooffer。
AndsoitwasthatadayorsoafterMugambihaddisappeared，WerperaskedforanaudiencewithAbdulMourak。AstheBelgianenteredthepresenceofhiscaptorthescowluponthefeaturesofthelatterbodedillforanyhopewhichWerpermightentertain，stillhefortifiedhimselfbyrecallingthecommonweaknessofmankind，whichpermitsthemostinflexibleofnaturestobendtotheconsumingdesireforwealth。
AbdulMourakeyedhim，frowningly。"Whatdoyouwantnow？"heasked。
"Myliberty，"repliedWerper。
TheAbyssiniansneered。"Andyoudisturbedmethustotellmewhatanyfoolmightknow，"hesaid。
"Icanpayforit，"saidWerper。
AbdulMouraklaughedloudly。"Payforit？"hecried。
"Whatwith——theragsthatyouhaveuponyourback？
Or，perhapsyouareconcealingbeneathyourcoatathousandpoundsofivory。Getout！Youareafool。DonotbothermeagainorIshallhaveyouwhipped。"
ButWerperpersisted。Hislibertyandperhapshislifedependeduponhissuccess。
"Listentome，"hepleaded。"IfIcangiveyouasmuchgoldastenmenmaycarrywillyoupromisethatIshallbeconductedinsafetytothenearestEnglishcommissioner？"
"Asmuchgoldastenmenmaycarry！"repeatedAbdulMourak。"Youarecrazy。Wherehaveyousomuchgoldasthat？"
"Iknowwhereitishid，"saidWerper。"Promise，andI
willleadyoutoit——iftenloadsisenough？"
AbdulMourakhadceasedtolaugh。HewaseyeingtheBelgianintently。Thefellowseemedsaneenough——yettenloadsofgold！Itwaspreposterous。TheAbyssinianthoughtinsilenceforamoment。
"Well，andifIpromise，"hesaid。"Howfaristhisgold？"
"Alongweek’smarchtothesouth，"repliedWerper。
"Andifwedonotfinditwhereyousayitis，doyourealizewhatyourpunishmentwillbe？"
"IfitisnotthereIwillforfeitmylife，"repliedtheBelgian。"Iknowitisthere，forIsawitburiedwithmyowneyes。Andmore——therearenotonlytenloads，butasmanyasfiftymenmaycarry。ItisallyoursifyouwillpromisetoseemesafelydeliveredintotheprotectionoftheEnglish。"
"Youwillstakeyourlifeagainstthefindingofthegold？"askedAbdul。
Werperassentedwithanod。
"Verywell，"saidtheAbyssinian，"Ipromise，andeveniftherebebutfiveloadsyoushallhaveyourfreedom；
butuntilthegoldisinmypossessionyouremainaprisoner。"
"Iamsatisfied，"saidWerper。"Tomorrowwestart？"
AbdulMouraknodded，andtheBelgianreturnedtohisguards。ThefollowingdaytheAbyssiniansoldiersweresurprisedtoreceiveanorderwhichturnedtheirfacesfromthenortheasttothesouth。AndsoithappenedthatupontheverynightthatTarzanandthetwoapesenteredthevillageoftheraiders，theAbyssinianscampedbutafewmilestotheeastofthesamespot。
WhileWerperdreamedoffreedomandtheunmolestedenjoymentofthefortuneinhisstolenpouch，andAbdulMouraklayawakeingreedycontemplationofthefiftyloadsofgoldwhichlaybutafewdaysfarthertothesouthofhim，AchmetZekgaveorderstohislieutenantsthattheyshouldprepareaforceoffightingmenandcarrierstoproceedtotheruinsoftheEnglishman’sDOUARonthemorrowandbringbackthefabulousfortunewhichhisrenegadelieutenanthadtoldhimwasburiedthere。
Andashedeliveredhisinstructionstothosewithin，asilentlistenercrouchedwithouthistent，waitingforthetimewhenhemightenterinsafetyandprosecutehissearchforthemissingpouchandtheprettypebblesthathadcaughthisfancy。
AtlasttheswarthycompanionsofAchmetZekquittedhistent，andtheleaderwentwiththemtosmokeapipewithoneoftheirnumber，leavinghisownsilkenhabitationunguarded。Scarcelyhadtheylefttheinteriorwhenaknifebladewasthrustthroughthefabricoftherearwall，somesixfeetabovetheground，andaswiftdownwardstrokeopenedanentrancetothosewhowaitedbeyond。
Throughtheopeningsteppedtheape—man，andclosebehindhimcamethehugeChulk；butTaglatdidnotfollowthem。Insteadheturnedandslunkthroughthedarknesstowardthehutwheretheshewhohadarrestedhisbrutishinterestlaysecurelybound。Beforethedoorwaythesentriessatupontheirhaunches，conversinginmonotones。Within，theyoungwomanlayuponafilthysleepingmat，resigned，throughutterhopelessnesstowhateverfatelayinstoreforheruntiltheopportunityarrivedwhichwouldpermithertofreeherselfbytheonlymeanswhichnowseemedevenremotelypossible——thehithertodetestedactofself—destruction。
Creepingsilentlytowardthesentries，awhite—burnoosedfigureapproachedtheshadowsatoneendofthehut。
Themeagerintellectofthecreaturedeniedittheadvantageitmighthavetakenofitsdisguise。
Whereitcouldhavewalkedboldlytotheverysidesofthesentries，itchoserathertosneakuponthem，unseen，fromtherear。
Itcametothecornerofthehutandpeeredaround。
Thesentrieswerebutafewpacesaway；buttheapedidnotdareexposehimself，evenforaninstant，tothosefearedandhatedthunder—stickswhichtheTarmanganiknewsowellhowtouse，iftherewereanotherandsafermethodofattack。
Taglatwishedthattherewasatreenearbyfromtheover—hangingbranchesofwhichhemightspringuponhisunsuspectingprey；but，thoughtherewasnotree，theideagavebirthtoaplan。Theeavesofthehutwerejustabovetheheadsofthesentries——fromthemhecouldleapupontheTarmangani，unseen。Aquicksnapofthosemightyjawswoulddisposeofoneofthembeforetheotherrealizedthattheywereattacked，andthesecondwouldfallaneasypreytothestrength，agilityandferocityofasecondquickcharge。
Taglatwithdrewafewpacestotherearofthehut，gatheredhimselffortheeffort，ranquicklyforwardandleapedhighintotheair。Hestrucktheroofdirectlyabovetherearwallofthehut，andthestructure，reinforcedbythewallbeneath，heldhisenormousweightforaninstant，thenhemovedforwardastep，theroofsagged，thethatchingpartedandthegreatanthropoidshotthroughintotheinterior。
Thesentries，hearingthecrashingoftheroofpoles，leapedtotheirfeetandrushedintothehut。JaneClaytontriedtorollasideasthegreatformlituponthefloorsoclosetoherthatonefootpinnedherclothingtotheground。
Theape，feelingthemovementbesidehim，reacheddownandgatheredthegirlinthehollowofonemightyarm。
TheburnoosecoveredthehairybodysothatJaneClaytonbelievedthatahumanarmsupportedher，andfromtheextremityofhopelessnessagreathopesprangintoherbreastthatatlastshewasinthekeepingofarescuer。
Thetwosentrieswerenowwithinthehut，buthesitatingbecauseofdoubtastothenatureofthecauseofthedisturbance。Theireyes，notyetaccustomedtothedarknessoftheinterior，toldthemnothing，nordidtheyhearanysound，fortheapestoodsilentlyawaitingtheirattack。
Seeingthattheystoodwithoutadvancing，andrealizingthat，handicappedashewasbytheweightoftheshe，hecouldputupbutapoorbattle，Taglatelectedtoriskasuddenbreakforliberty。Loweringhishead，hechargedstraightforthetwosentrieswhoblockedthedoorway。Theimpactofhismightyshouldersbowledthemoverupontheirbacks，andbeforetheycouldscrambletotheirfeet，theapewasgone，dartingintheshadowsofthehutstowardthepalisadeatthefarendofthevillage。
ThespeedandstrengthofherrescuerfilledJaneClaytonwithwonder。CoulditbethatTarzanhadsurvivedthebulletoftheArab？Whoelseinallthejunglecouldbeartheweightofagrownwomanaslightlyashewhoheldher？Shespokehisname；buttherewasnoresponse。Stillshedidnotgiveuphope。
Atthepalisadethebeastdidnotevenhesitate。
Asinglemightyleapcarriedittothetop，whereitpoisedbutforaninstantbeforedroppingtothegroundupontheoppositeside。Nowthegirlwasalmostpositivethatshewassafeinthearmsofherhusband，andwhentheapetooktothetreesandboreherswiftlyintothejungle，asTarzanhaddoneatothertimesinthepast，beliefbecameconviction。
Inalittlemoonlitglade，amileorsofromthecampoftheraiders，herrescuerhaltedanddroppedhertotheground。Hisroughnesssurprisedher，butstillshehadnodoubts。Againshecalledhimbyname，andatthesameinstanttheape，frettingundertherestraintsoftheunaccustomedgarmentsoftheTarmangani，toretheburnoosefromhim，revealingtotheeyesofthehorror—struckwomanthehideousfaceandhairyformofagiantanthropoid。
Withapiteouswailofterror，JaneClaytonswooned，while，fromtheconcealmentofanearbybush，Numa，thelion，eyedthepairhungrilyandlickedhischops。
Tarzan，enteringthetentofAchmetZek，searchedtheinteriorthoroughly。Hetorethebedtopiecesandscatteredthecontentsofboxandbagaboutthefloor。
Heinvestigatedwhateverhiseyesdiscovered，nordidthosekeenorgansoverlookasinglearticlewithinthehabitationoftheraiderchief；butnopouchorprettypebblesrewardedhisthoroughness。
SatisfiedatlastthathisbelongingswerenotinthepossessionofAchmetZek，unlesstheywereonthepersonofthechiefhimself，Tarzandecidedtosecurethepersonoftheshebeforefurtherprosecutinghissearchforthepouch。
MotioningforChulktofollowhim，hepassedoutofthetentbythesamewaythathehadenteredit，andwalkingboldlythroughthevillage，madedirectlyforthehutwhereJaneClaytonhadbeenimprisoned。
HenotedwithsurprisetheabsenceofTaglat，whomhehadexpectedtofindawaitinghimoutsidethetentofAchmetZek；but，accustomedashewastotheunreliabilityofapes，hegavenoseriousattentiontothepresentdefectionofhissurlycompanion。SolongasTaglatdidnotcauseinterferencewithhisplans，Tarzanwasindifferenttohisabsence。
Asheapproachedthehut，theape—mannoticedthatacrowdhadcollectedabouttheentrance。Hecouldseethatthemenwhocomposeditweremuchexcited，andfearinglestChulk’sdisguiseshouldproveinadequatetotheconcealmentofhistrueidentityinthefaceofsomanyobservers，hecommandedtheapetobetakehimselftothefarendofthevillage，andthereawaithim。
AsChulkwaddledoff，keepingtotheshadows，Tarzanadvancedboldlytowardtheexcitedgroupbeforethedoorwayofthehut。HemingledwiththeblacksandtheArabsinanendeavortolearnthecauseofthecommotion，inhisinterestforgettingthathealoneoftheassemblagecarriedaspear，abowandarrows，andthusmightbecomeanobjectofsuspiciousattention。
Shoulderinghiswaythroughthecrowdheapproachedthedoorway，andhadalmostreacheditwhenoneoftheArabslaidahanduponhisshoulder，crying："Whoisthis？"atthesametimesnatchingbackthehoodfromtheape—man’sface。
TarzanoftheApesinallhissavagelifehadneverbeenaccustomedtopauseinargumentwithanantagonist。Theprimitiveinstinctofself—preservationacknowledgesmanyartsandwiles；butargumentisnotoneofthem，nordidhenowwasteprecioustimeinanattempttoconvincetheraidersthathewasnotawolfinsheep’sclothing。Insteadhehadhisunmaskerbythethroateretheman’swordshadscarcequittedhislips，andhurlinghimfromsidetosidebrushedawaythosewhowouldhaveswarmeduponhim。
UsingtheArabasaweapon，Tarzanforcedhiswayquicklytothedoorway，andamomentlaterwaswithinthehut。Ahastyexaminationrevealedthefactthatitwasempty，andhissenseofsmelldiscovered，too，thescentspoorofTaglat，theape。Tarzanutteredalow，ominousgrowl。Thosewhowerepressingforwardatthedoorwaytoseizehim，fellbackasthesavagenotesofthebestialchallengesmoteupontheirears。Theylookedatoneanotherinsurpriseandconsternation。
Amanhadenteredthehutalone，andyetwiththeirownearstheyhadheardthevoiceofawildbeastwithin。
Whatcoulditmean？Hadalionoraleopardsoughtsanctuaryintheinterior，unbeknowntothesentries？
Tarzan’squickeyesdiscoveredtheopeningintheroof，throughwhichTaglathadfallen。Heguessedthattheapehadeithercomeorgonebywayofthebreak，andwhiletheArabshesitatedwithout，hesprang，catlike，fortheopening，graspedthetopofthewallandclamberedoutupontheroof，droppinginstantlytothegroundattherearofthehut。
WhentheArabsfinallymusteredcouragetoenterthehut，afterfiringseveralvolleysthroughthewalls，theyfoundtheinteriordeserted。AtthesametimeTarzan，atthefarendofthevillage，soughtforChulk；buttheapewasnowheretobefound。
Robbedofhisshe，desertedbyhiscompanions，andasmuchinignoranceaseverastothewhereaboutsofhispouchandpebbles，itwasanangryTarzanwhoclimbedthepalisadeandvanishedintothedarknessofthejungle。
Forthepresenthemustgiveupthesearchforhispouch，sinceitwouldbeparamounttoself—destructiontoentertheArabcampnowwhileallitsinhabitantswerearousedanduponthealert。
Inhisescapefromthevillage，theape—manhadlostthespoorofthefleeingTaglat，andnowhecircledwidelythroughtheforestinanendeavortoagainpickitup。
ChulkhadremainedathispostuntilthecriesandshotsoftheArabshadfilledhissimplesoulwithterror，foraboveallthingstheapefolkfearthethunder—sticksoftheTarmangani；thenhehadclamberednimblyoverthepalisade，tearinghisburnooseintheeffort，andfledintothedepthsofthejungle，grumblingandscoldingashewent。
Tarzan，roamingthejungleinsearchofthetrailofTaglatandtheshe，traveledswiftly。InalittlemoonlitgladeaheadofhimthegreatapewasbendingovertheprostrateformofthewomanTarzansought。
Thebeastwastearingatthebondsthatconfinedheranklesandwrists，pullingandgnawinguponthecords。
Thecoursetheape—manwastakingwouldcarryhimbutashortdistancetotherightofthem，andthoughhecouldnothaveseenthemthewindwasbearingdownfromthemtohim，carryingtheirscentspoorstronglytowardhim。
AmomentmoreandJaneClayton’ssafetymighthavebeenassured，eventhoughNuma，thelion，wasalreadygatheringhimselfinpreparationforacharge；butFate，alreadyalltoocruel，nowoutdidherself——thewindveeredsuddenlyforafewmoments，thescentspoorthatwouldhaveledtheape—mantothegirl’ssidewaswaftedintheoppositedirection；Tarzanpassedwithinfiftyyardsofthetragedythatwasbeingenactedintheglade，andtheopportunitywasgonebeyondrecall。
18
TheFightFortheTreasureItwasmorningbeforeTarzancouldbringhimselftoarealizationofthepossibilityoffailureofhisquest，andeventhenhewouldonlyadmitthatsuccesswasbutdelayed。Hewouldeatandsleep，andthensetforthagain。Thejunglewaswide；butwidetooweretheexperienceandcunningofTarzan。Taglatmighttravelfar；butTarzanwouldfindhimintheend，thoughhehadtosearcheverytreeinthemightyforest。
Soliloquizingthus，theape—manfollowedthespoorofBara，thedeer，theunfortunateuponwhichhehaddecidedtosatisfyhishunger。Forhalfanhourthetrailledtheape—mantowardtheeastalongawell—markedgamepath，whensuddenly，tothestalker’sastonishment，thequarrybrokeintosight，racingmadlybackalongthenarrowwaystraighttowardthehunter。
Tarzan，whohadbeenfollowingalongthetrail，leapedsoquicklytotheconcealingverdureatthesidethatthedeerwasstillunawareofthepresenceofanenemyinthisdirection，andwhiletheanimalwasstillsomedistanceaway，theape—manswungintothelowerbranchesofthetreewhichoverhungthetrail。Therehecrouched，asavagebeastofprey，awaitingthecomingofitsvictim。
Whathadfrightenedthedeerintosofranticaretreat，Tarzandidnotknow——Numa，thelion，perhaps，orSheeta，thepanther；butwhatsoeveritwasmatteredlittletoTarzanoftheApes——hewasreadyandwillingtodefendhiskillagainstanyotherdenizenofthejungle。Ifhewereunabletodoitbymeansofphysicalprowess，hehadathiscommandanotherandagreaterpower——hisshrewdintelligence。
Andso，oncametherunningdeer，straightintothejawsofdeath。Theape—manturnedsothathisbackwastowardtheapproachinganimal。Hepoisedwithbentkneesuponthegentlyswayinglimbabovethetrail，timingwithkeenearsthenearinghoofbeatsoffrightenedBara。
Inamomentthevictimflashedbeneaththelimbandatthesameinstanttheape—manabovesprangoutanddownuponitsback。Theweightoftheman’sbodycarriedthedeertotheground。Itstumbledforwardonceinafutileefforttorise，andthenmightymusclesdraggeditsheadfarback，gavetheneckaviciouswrench，andBarawasdead。
Quickhadbeenthekilling，andequallyquickweretheape—man’ssubsequentactions，forwhomightknowwhatmannerofkillerpursuedBara，orhowcloseathandhemightbe？ScarcehadtheneckofthevictimsnappedthanthecarcasswashangingoveroneofTarzan’sbroadshoulders，andaninstantlatertheape—manwasperchedoncemoreamongthelowerbranchesofatreeabovethetrail，hiskeen，grayeyesscanningthepathwaydownwhichthedeerhadfled。
NorwasitlongbeforethecauseofBara’sfrightbecameevidenttoTarzan，forpresentlycametheunmistakablesoundsofapproachinghorsemen。Dragginghiskillafterhimtheape—manascendedtothemiddleterrace，andsettlinghimselfcomfortablyinthecrotchofatreewherehecouldstillviewthetrailbeneath，cutajuicysteakfromthedeer’sloin，andburyinghisstrong，whiteteethinthehotfleshproceededtoenjoythefruitsofhisprowessandhiscunning。
Nordidheneglectthetrailbeneathwhilehesatisfiedhishunger。Hissharpeyessawthemuzzleoftheleadinghorseasitcameintoviewaroundabendinthetortuoustrail，andonebyonetheyscrutinizedtheridersastheypassedbeneathhiminsinglefile。
AmongthemcameonewhomTarzanrecognized，butsoschooledwastheape—maninthecontrolofhisemotionsthatnoslightestchangeofexpression，muchlessanyhystericaldemonstrationthatmighthaverevealedhispresence，betrayedthefactofhisinwardexcitement。
Beneathhim，asunconsciousofhispresenceasweretheAbyssiniansbeforeandbehindhim，rodeAlbertWerper，whiletheape—manscrutinizedtheBelgianforsomesignofthepouchwhichhehadstolen。
AstheAbyssiniansrodetowardthesouth，agiantfigurehoveredeverupontheirtrail——ahuge，almostnakedwhiteman，whocarriedthebloodycarcassofadeeruponhisshoulders，forTarzanknewthathemightnothaveanotheropportunitytohuntforsometimeifheweretofollowtheBelgian。
Toendeavortosnatchhimfromthemidstofthearmedhorsemen，notevenTarzanwouldattemptotherthaninthelastextremity，forthewayofthewildisthewayofcautionandcunning，unlesstheybearousedtorashnessbypainoranger。
SotheAbyssiniansandtheBelgianmarchedsouthwardandTarzanoftheApesswungsilentlyafterthemthroughtheswayingbranchesofthemiddleterrace。
Atwodays’marchbroughtthemtoalevelplainbeyondwhichlaymountains——aplainwhichTarzanrememberedandwhicharousedwithinhimvaguehalfmemoriesandstrangelongings。Outupontheplainthehorsemenrode，andatasafedistancebehindthemcrepttheape—man，takingadvantageofsuchcoverasthegroundafforded。
BesideacharredpileoftimberstheAbyssinianshalted，andTarzan，sneakingcloseandconcealinghimselfinnearbyshrubbery，watchedtheminwonderment。Hesawthemdigginguptheearth，andhewonderediftheyhadhiddenmeatthereinthepastandnowhadcomeforit。Thenherecalledhowhehadburiedhisprettypebbles，andthesuggestionthathadcausedhimtodoit。Theywerediggingforthethingstheblackshadburiedhere！
Presentlyhesawthemuncoveradirty，yellowobject，andhewitnessedthejoyofWerperandofAbdulMourakasthegrimyobjectwasexposedtoview。Onebyonetheyunearthedmanysimilarpieces，allofthesameuniform，dirtyyellow，untilapileofthemlayupontheground，apilewhichAbdulMourakfondledandpettedinanecstasyofgreed。
Somethingstirredintheape—man’smindashelookedlonguponthegoldeningots。Wherehadheseensuchbefore？Whatwerethey？WhydidtheseTarmanganicovetthemsogreatly？Towhomdidtheybelong？
Herecalledtheblackmenwhohadburiedthem。
Thethingsmustbetheirs。WerperwasstealingthemashehadstolenTarzan’spouchofpebbles。Theape—man’seyesblazedinanger。Hewouldliketofindtheblackmenandleadthemagainstthesethieves。Hewonderedwheretheirvillagemightbe。
Asallthesethingsranthroughtheactivemind，apartyofmenmovedoutoftheforestattheedgeoftheplainandadvancedtowardtheruinsoftheburnedbungalow。
AbdulMourak，alwayswatchful，wasthefirsttoseethem，butalreadytheywerehalfwayacrosstheopen。
Hecalledtohismentomountandholdthemselvesinreadiness，forintheheartofAfricawhomayknowwhetherastrangehostbefriendorfoe？
Werper，swingingintohissaddle，fastenedhiseyesuponthenewcomers，then，whiteandtremblingheturnedtowardAbdulMourak。
"ItisAchmetZekandhisraiders，"hewhispered。
"Theyarecomeforthegold。"
ItmusthavebeenataboutthesameinstantthatAchmetZekdiscoveredthepileofyellowingotsandrealizedtheactualityofwhathehadalreadyfearedsincefirsthiseyeshadalighteduponthepartybesidetheruinsoftheEnglishman’sbungalow。Someonehadforestalledhim——anotherhadcomeforthetreasureaheadofhim。
TheArabwascrazedbyrage。Recentlyeverythinghadgoneagainsthim。Hehadlostthejewels，theBelgian，andforthesecondtimehehadlosttheEnglishwoman。
Nowsomeonehadcometorobhimofthistreasurewhichhehadthoughtassafefromdisturbancehereasthoughitneverhadbeenmined。
Hecarednotwhomthethievesmightbe。Theywouldnotgiveupthegoldwithoutabattle，ofthathewascertain，andwithawildwhoopandacommandtohisfollowers，AchmetZekputspurstohishorseanddasheddownupontheAbyssinians，andafterhim，wavingtheirlonggunsabovetheirheads，yellingandcursing，camehismotleyhordeofcut—throatfollowers。
ThemenofAbdulMourakmetthemwithavolleywhichemptiedafewsaddles，andthentheraiderswereamongthem，andsword，pistolandmusket，eachwasdoingitsmosthideousandbloodywork。
AchmetZek，spyingWerperatthefirstcharge，boredownupontheBelgian，andthelatter，terrifiedbycontemplationofthefatehedeserved，turnedhishorse’sheadanddashedmadlyawayinanefforttoescape。Shoutingtoalieutenanttotakecommand，andurginghimuponpainofdeathtodispatchtheAbyssiniansandbringthegoldbacktohiscamp，AchmetZeksetoffacrosstheplaininpursuitoftheBelgian，hiswickednatureunabletoforegothepleasuresofrevenge，evenattheriskofsacrificingthetreasure。
Asthepursuedandthepursuerracedmadlytowardthedistantforestthebattlebehindthemragedwithbloodysavageness。NoquarterwasaskedorgivenbyeithertheferociousAbyssiniansorthemurderouscut—throatsofAchmetZek。
FromtheconcealmentoftheshrubberyTarzanwatchedthesanguinaryconflictwhichsoeffectuallysurroundedhimthathefoundnoloop—holethroughwhichhemightescapetofollowWerperandtheArabchief。
TheAbyssinianswereformedinacirclewhichincludedTarzan’sposition，andaroundandintothemgallopedtheyellingraiders，nowdartingaway，nowchargingintodeliverthrustsandcutswiththeircurvedswords。
NumericallythemenofAchmetZekweresuperior，andslowlybutsurelythesoldiersofMenelekwerebeingexterminated。ToTarzantheresultwasimmaterial。
Hewatchedwithbutasinglepurpose——toescapetheringofblood—madfightersandbeawayaftertheBelgianandhispouch。
WhenhehadfirstdiscoveredWerperuponthetrailwherehehadslainBara，hehadthoughtthathiseyesmustbeplayinghimfalse，socertainhadhebeenthatthethiefhadbeenslainanddevouredbyNuma；butafterfollowingthedetachmentfortwodays，withhiskeeneyesalwaysupontheBelgian，henolongerdoubtedtheidentityoftheman，thoughhewasputtoittoexplaintheidentityofthemutilatedcorpsehehadsupposedwasthemanhesought。
Ashecrouchedinhidingamongtheunkemptshrubberywhichsoshortawhilesincehadbeenthedelightandprideofthewifehenolongerrecalled，anArabandanAbyssinianwheeledtheirmountsclosetohispositionastheyslashedateachotherwiththeirswords。
StepbysteptheArabbeatbackhisadversaryuntilthelatter’shorseallbuttrodupontheape—man，andthenaviciouscutclovetheblackwarrior’sskull，andthecorpsetoppledbackwardalmostuponTarzan。
AstheAbyssiniantumbledfromhissaddlethepossibilityofescapewhichwasrepresentedbytheriderlesshorseelectrifiedtheape—mantoinstantaction。Beforethefrightenedbeastcouldgatherhimselfforflightanakedgiantwasastridehisback。
Astronghandhadgraspedhisbridlerein，andthesurprisedArabdiscoveredanewfoeinthesaddleofhim，whomhehadslain。
Butthisenemywieldednosword，andhisspearandbowremaineduponhisback。TheArab，recoveredfromhisfirstsurprise，dashedinwithraisedswordtoannihilatethispresumptuousstranger。Heaimedamightyblowattheape—man’shead，ablowwhichswungharmlesslythroughthinairasTarzanduckedfromitspath，andthentheArabfelttheother’shorsebrushinghisleg，agreatarmshotoutandencircledhiswaist，andbeforehecouldrecoverhimselfhewasdraggedfromhissaddle，andformingashieldforhisantagonistwasborneatamadrunstraightthroughtheencirclingranksofhisfellows。
Justbeyondthemhewastossedasideupontheground，andthelasthesawofhisstrangefoemanthelatterwasgallopingoffacrosstheplaininthedirectionoftheforestatitsfartheredge。
ForanotherhourthebattleragednordiditceaseuntilthelastoftheAbyssinianslaydeadupontheground，orhadgallopedofftowardthenorthinflight。
Butahandfulofmenescaped，amongthemAbdulMourak。
ThevictoriousraiderscollectedaboutthepileofgoldeningotswhichtheAbyssinianshaduncovered，andthereawaitedthereturnoftheirleader。Theirexultationwasslightlytemperedbytheglimpsetheyhadhadofthestrangeapparitionofthenakedwhitemangallopingawayuponthehorseofoneoftheirfoemenandcarryingacompanionwhowasnowamongthemexpatiatinguponthesuperhumanstrengthoftheape—man。
NoneofthemtherebutwasfamiliarwiththenameandfameofTarzanoftheApes，andthefactthattheyhadrecognizedthewhitegiantastheferociousenemyofthewrongdoersofthejungle，addedtotheirterror，fortheyhadbeenassuredthatTarzanwasdead。
Naturallysuperstitious，theyfullybelievedthattheyhadseenthedisembodiedspiritofthedeadman，andnowtheycastfearfulglancesabouttheminexpectationoftheghost’searlyreturntothesceneoftheruintheyhadinflicteduponhimduringtheirrecentraiduponhishome，anddiscussedinaffrightedwhisperstheprobablenatureofthevengeancewhichthespiritwouldinflictuponthemshouldhereturntofindtheminpossessionofhisgold。
Astheyconversedtheirterrorgrew，whilefromtheconcealmentofthereedsalongtheriverbelowthemasmallpartyofnaked，blackwarriorswatchedtheireverymove。Fromtheheightsbeyondtherivertheseblackmenhadheardthenoiseoftheconflict，andcreepingwarilydowntothestreamhadfordeditandadvancedthroughthereedsuntiltheywereinapositiontowatcheverymoveofthecombatants。
ForahalfhourtheraidersawaitedAchmetZek’sreturn，theirfearoftheearlierreturnoftheghostofTarzanconstantlyunderminingtheirloyaltytoandfearoftheirchief。FinallyoneamongthemvoicedthedesiresofallwhenheannouncedthatheintendedridingforthtowardtheforestinsearchofAchmetZek。
Instantlyeverymanofthemsprangtohismount。
"Thegoldwillbesafehere，"criedone。"WehavekilledtheAbyssiniansandtherearenootherstocarryitaway。LetusrideinsearchofAchmetZek！"
Andamomentlater，amidstacloudofdust，theraidersweregallopingmadlyacrosstheplain，andoutfromtheconcealmentofthereedsalongtheriver，creptapartyofblackwarriorstowardthespotwherethegoldeningotsofOparlaypiledontheground。
WerperhadstillbeeninadvanceofAchmetZekwhenhereachedtheforest；butthelatter，bettermounted，wasgaininguponhim。RidingwiththerecklesscourageofdesperationtheBelgianurgedhismounttogreaterspeedevenwithinthenarrowconfinesofthewinding，gametrailthatthebeastwasfollowing。
BehindhimhecouldhearthevoiceofAchmetZekcryingtohimtohalt；butWerperonlydugthespursdeeperintothebleedingsidesofhispantingmount。Twohundredyardswithintheforestabrokenbranchlayacrossthetrail。Itwasasmallthingthatahorsemightordinarilytakeinhisnaturalstridewithoutnoticingitspresence；butWerper’shorsewasjaded，hisfeetwereheavywithweariness，andasthebranchcaughtbetweenhisfrontlegshestumbled，wasunabletorecoverhimself，andwentdown，sprawlinginthetrail。
Werper，goingoverhishead，rolledafewyardsfartheron，scrambledtohisfeetandranback。Seizingthereinshetuggedtodragthebeasttohisfeet；buttheanimalwouldnotorcouldnotrise，andastheBelgiancursedandstruckathim，AchmetZekappearedinview。
InstantlytheBelgianceasedhiseffortswiththedyinganimalathisfeet，andseizinghisrifle，droppedbehindthehorseandfiredattheoncomingArab。
Hisbullet，goinglow，struckAchmetZek’shorseinthebreast，bringinghimdownahundredyardsfromwhereWerperlaypreparingtofireasecondshot。
TheArab，whohadgonedownwithhismount，wasstandingastridehim，andseeingtheBelgian’sstrategicpositionbehindhisfallenhorse，lostnotimeintakingupasimilaronebehindhisown。
Andtherethetwolay，alternatelyfiringatandcursingeachother，whilefrombehindtheArab，TarzanoftheApesapproachedtotheedgeoftheforest。Hereheheardtheoccasionalshotsoftheduelists，andchoosingthesaferandswifteravenueoftheforestbranchestotheuncertaintransportationaffordedbyahalf—brokenAbyssinianpony，tooktothetrees。
Keepingtoonesideofthetrail，theape—mancamepresentlytoapointwherehecouldlookdownincomparativesafetyuponthefighters。Firstoneandthentheotherwouldpartiallyraisehimselfabovehisbreastworkofhorseflesh，firehisweaponandimmediatelydropflatbehindhisshelter，wherehewouldreloadandrepeattheactamomentlater。
Werperhadbutlittleammunition，havingbeenhastilyarmedbyAbdulMourakfromthebodyofoneofthefirstoftheAbyssinianswhohadfalleninthefightaboutthepileofingots，andnowherealizedthatsoonhewouldhaveusedhislastbullet，andbeatthemercyoftheArab——amercywithwhichhewaswellacquainted。
Facingbothdeathanddespoilmentofhistreasure，theBelgiancastaboutforsomeplanofescape，andtheonlyonethatappealedtohimascontainingevenaremotepossibilityofsuccesshingeduponthechanceofbribingAchmetZek。
Werperhadfiredallbutasinglecartridge，when，duringalullinthefighting，hecalledaloudtohisopponent。
"AchmetZek，"hecried，"Allahaloneknowswhichoneofusmayleaveourbonestorotwhereheliesuponthistrailtodayifwekeepupourfoolishbattle。YouwishthecontentsofthepouchIwearaboutmywaist，andI
wishmylifeandmylibertyevenmorethanIdothejewels。Letuseach，then，takethatwhichhemostdesiresandgoourseparatewaysinpeace。Iwilllaythepouchuponthecarcassofmyhorse，whereyoumayseeit，andyou，inturn，willlayyourgunuponyourhorse，withbutttowardme。ThenIwillgoaway，leavingthepouchtoyou，andyouwillletmegoinsafety。Iwantonlymylife，andmyfreedom。"
TheArabthoughtinsilenceforamoment。Thenhespoke。Hisreplywasinfluencedbythefactthathehadexpendedhislastshot。
"Goyourway，then，"hegrowled，"leavingthepouchinplainsightbehindyou。See，Ilaymygunthus，withthebutttowardyou。Go。"
Werperremovedthepouchfromabouthiswaist。
Sorrowfullyandaffectionatelyhelethisfingerspressthehardoutlinesofthecontents。Ah，ifhecouldextractalittlehandfulofthepreciousstones！ButAchmetZekwasstandingnow，hiseagleeyescommandingaplainviewoftheBelgianandhiseveryact。
RegretfullyWerperlaidthepouch，itscontentsundisturbed，uponthebodyofhishorse，rose，andtakinghisriflewithhim，backedslowlydownthetrailuntilaturnhidhimfromtheviewofthewatchfulArab。
EventhenAchmetZekdidnotadvance，fearfulashewasofsomesuchtreacheryashehimselfmighthavebeenguiltyofunderlikecircumstances；norwerehissuspicionsgroundless，fortheBelgian，nosoonerhadhepassedoutoftherangeoftheArab’svision，haltedbehindtheboleofatree，wherehestillcommandedanunobstructedviewofhisdeadhorseandthepouch，andraisinghisriflecoveredthespotwheretheother’sbodymustappearwhenhecameforwardtoseizethetreasure。
ButAchmetZekwasnofooltoexposehimselftotheblackenedhonorofathiefandamurderer。Takinghislonggunwithhim，heleftthetrail，enteringtherankandtangledvegetationwhichwalledit，andcrawlingslowlyforwardonhandsandkneesheparalleledthetrail；butneverforaninstantwashisbodyexposedtotherifleofthehiddenassassin。
ThusAchmetZekadvanceduntilhehadcomeoppositethedeadhorseofhisenemy。Thepouchlaythereinfullview，whileashortdistancealongthetrail，Werperwaitedingrowingimpatienceandnervousness，wonderingwhytheArabdidnotcometoclaimhisreward。
Presentlyhesawthemuzzleofarifleappearsuddenlyandmysteriouslyafewinchesabovethepouch，andbeforehecouldrealizethecunningtrickthattheArabhadplayeduponhimthesightoftheweaponwasadroitlyhookedintotherawhidethongwhichformedthecarryingstrapofthepouch，andthelatterwasdrawnquicklyfromhisviewintothedensefoliageatthetrail’sside。
Notforaninstanthadtheraiderexposedasquareinchofhisbody，andWerperdarednotfirehisoneremainingshotunlesseverychanceofasuccessfulhitwasinhisfavor。
Chucklingtohimself，AchmetZekwithdrewafewpacesfartherintothejungle，forhewasaspositivethatWerperwaswaitingnearbyforachancetopothimasthoughhiseyeshadpenetratedthejungletreestothefigureofthehidingBelgian，fingeringhisriflebehindtheboleofthebuttressedgiant。
Werperdidnotdareadvance——hiscupiditywouldnotpermithimtodepart，andsohestoodthere，hisriflereadyinhishands，hiseyeswatchingthetrailbeforehimwithcatlikeintensity。
Buttherewasanotherwhohadseenthepouchandrecognizedit，whodidadvancewithAchmetZek，hoveringabovehim，assilentandassureasdeathitself，andastheArab，findingalittlespotlessovergrownwithbushesthanhehadyetencountered，preparedtogloathiseyesuponthecontentsofthepouch，Tarzanpauseddirectlyabovehim，intentuponthesameobject。
Wettinghisthinlipswithhistongue，AchmetZekloosenedthetiestringswhichclosedthemouthofthepouch，andcuppingoneclaw—likehandpouredforthaportionofthecontentsintohispalm。
Asinglelookhetookatthestoneslyinginhishand。
Hiseyesnarrowed，acursebrokefromhislips，andhehurledthesmallobjectsupontheground，disdainfully。
Quicklyheemptiedthebalanceofthecontentsuntilhehadscannedeachseparatestone，andashedumpedthemalluponthegroundandstampeduponthemhisragegrewuntilthemusclesofhisfaceworkedindemon—likefury，andhisfingersclencheduntilhisnailsbitintotheflesh。
Above，Tarzanwatchedinwonderment。Hehadbeencurioustodiscoverwhatallthepow—wowabouthispouchhadmeant。HewantedtoseewhattheArabwoulddoaftertheotherhadgoneaway，leavingthepouchbehindhim，and，havingsatisfiedhiscuriosity，hewouldthenhavepounceduponAchmetZekandtakenthepouchandhisprettypebblesawayfromhim，fordidtheynotbelongtoTarzan？
HesawtheArabnowthrowasidetheemptypouch，andgraspinghislonggunbythebarrel，clublike，sneakstealthilythroughthejunglebesidethetrailalongwhichWerperhadgone。
Asthemandisappearedfromhisview，Tarzandroppedtothegroundandcommencedgatheringupthespilledcontentsofthepouch，andthemomentthatheobtainedhisfirstnearviewofthescatteredpebblesheunderstoodtherageoftheArab，forinsteadoftheglitteringandscintillatinggemswhichhadfirstcaughtandheldtheattentionoftheape—man，thepouchnowcontainedbutacollectionofordinaryriverpebbles。
19
JaneClaytonandtheBeastsoftheJungleMugambi，afterhissuccessfulbreakforliberty，hadfallenuponhardtimes。Hiswayhadledhimthroughacountrywithwhichhewasunfamiliar，ajunglecountryinwhichhecouldfindnowater，andbutlittlefood，sothatafterseveraldaysofwanderinghefoundhimselfsoreducedinstrengththathecouldbarelydraghimselfalong。
Itwaswithgrowingdifficultythathefoundthestrengthnecessarytoconstructashelterbynightwhereinhemightbereasonablysafefromthelargecarnivora，andbydayhestillfurtherexhaustedhisstrengthindiggingforedibleroots，andsearchingforwater。
Afewstagnantpoolsatconsiderabledistancesapartsavedhimfromdeathbythirst；buthiswasapitiablestatewhenfinallyhestumbledbyaccidentuponalargeriverinacountrywherefruitwasabundant，andsmallgamewhichhemightbagbymeansofacombinationofstealth，cunning，andacrudeknob—stickwhichhehadfashionedfromafallenlimb。
RealizingthathestillhadalongmarchaheadofhimbeforehecouldreacheventheoutskirtsoftheWaziricountry，Mugambiwiselydecidedtoremainwherehewasuntilhehadrecuperatedhisstrengthandhealth。A
fewdays’restwouldaccomplishwondersforhim，heknew，andhecouldillaffordtosacrificehischancesforasafereturnbysettingforthhandicappedbyweakness。
Andsoitwasthatheconstructedasubstantialthornboma，andriggedathatchedshelterwithinit，wherehemightsleepbynightinsecurity，andfromwhichhesalliedforthbydaytohuntthefleshwhichalonecouldreturntohisgiantthewstheirnormalprowess。