Satisfied，atlast，thatnoonehadseenhim，hestoopedandraisedthebottomofthetentwall，backedinanddraggedthethingthathadbeenMohammedBeydafterhim。Tothesleepingrugsofthedeadraiderhedrewthecorpse，thenhefumbledaboutinthedarknessuntilhehadfoundMohammedBeyd’srevolver。Withtheweaponinhishandhereturnedtothesideofthedeadman，kneeledbesidethebedding，andinsertedhisrighthandwiththeweaponbeneaththerugs，piledanumberofthicknessesofthecloselywovenfabricoverandabouttherevolverwithhislefthand。Thenhepulledthetrigger，andatthesametimehecoughed。
Themuffledreportcouldnothavebeenheardabovethesoundofhiscoughbyonedirectlyoutsidethetent。
Werperwassatisfied。Agrimsmiletouchedhislipsashewithdrewtheweaponfromtherugsandplaceditcarefullyintherighthandofthedeadman，fixingthreeofthefingersaroundthegripandtheindexfingerinsidethetriggerguard。
Amomentlongerhetarriedtorearrangethedisorderedrugs，andthenheleftashehadentered，fasteningdowntherearwallofthetentasithadbeenbeforehehadraisedit。
Goingtothetentoftheprisonerheremovedtherealsotheevidencethatsomeonemighthavecomeorgonebeneaththerearwall。Thenhereturnedtohisowntent，entered，fasteneddownthecanvas，andcrawledintohisblankets。
ThefollowingmorninghewasawakenedbytheexcitedvoiceofMohammedBeyd’sslavecallingtohimattheentranceofhistent。
\"Quick！Quick！\"criedtheblackinafrightenedtone。
\"Come！MohammedBeydisdeadinhistent——deadbyhisownhand。\"
Werpersatupquicklyinhisblanketsatthefirstalarm，astartledexpressionuponhiscountenance；butatthelastwordsoftheblackasighofreliefescapedhislipsandaslightsmilereplacedthetenselinesuponhisface。
\"Icome，\"hecalledtotheslave，anddrawingonhisboots，roseandwentoutofhistent。
ExcitedArabsandblackswererunningfromallpartsofthecamptowardthesilkententofMohammedBeyd，andwhenWerperenteredhefoundanumberoftheraiderscrowdedaboutthecorpse，nowcoldandstiff。
Shoulderinghiswayamongthem，theBelgianhaltedbesidethedeadbodyoftheraider。Helookeddowninsilenceforamomentuponthestillface，thenhewheeledupontheArabs。
\"Whohasdonethisthing？\"hecried。Histonewasbothmenacingandaccusing。\"WhohasmurderedMohammedBeyd？\"
Asuddenchorusofvoicesaroseintumultuousprotest。
\"MohammedBeydwasnotmurdered，\"theycried。\"Hediedbyhisownhand。This，andAllah，areourwitnesses，\"
andtheypointedtoarevolverinthedeadman’shand。
ForatimeWerperpretendedtobeskeptical；butatlastpermittedhimselftobeconvincedthatMohammedBeydhadindeedkilledhimselfinremorseforthedeathofthewhitewomanhehad，allunknowntohisfollowers，lovedsodevotedly。
Werperhimselfwrappedtheblanketsofthedeadmanaboutthecorpse，takingcaretofoldinwardthescorchedandbullet—tornfabricthathadmuffledthereportoftheweaponhehadfiredthenightbefore。
Thensixhuskyblackscarriedthebodyoutintotheclearingwherethecampstood，anddepositeditinashallowgrave。Asthelooseearthfelluponthesilentformbeneaththetell—taleblankets，AlbertWerperheavedanothersighofrelief——hisplanhadworkedoutevenbetterthanhehaddaredhope。
WithAchmetZekandMohammedBeydbothdead，theraiderswerewithoutaleader，andafterabriefconferencetheydecidedtoreturnintothenorthonvisitstothevarioustribestowhichtheybelonged，Werper，afterlearningthedirectiontheyintendedtaking，announcedthatforhispart，hewasgoingeasttothecoast，andastheyknewofnothinghepossessedwhichanyofthemcoveted，theysignifiedtheirwillingnessthatheshouldgohisway。
Astheyrodeoff，hesathishorseinthecenteroftheclearingwatchingthemdisappearonebyoneintothejungle，andthankedhisGodthathehadatlastescapedtheirvillainousclutches。
Whenhecouldnolongerhearanysoundofthem，heturnedtotherightandrodeintotheforesttowardthetreewherehehadhiddenLadyGreystoke，anddrawingreinbeneathit，calledupinagayandhopefulvoiceapleasant，\"Goodmorning！\"
Therewasnoreply，andthoughhiseyessearchedthethickfoliageabovehim，hecouldseenosignofthegirl。Dismounting，hequicklyclimbedintothetree，wherehecouldobtainaviewofallitsbranches。Thetreewasempty——JaneClaytonhadvanishedduringthesilentwatchesofthejunglenight。
22
TarzanRecoversHisReasonAsTarzanletthepebblesfromtherecoveredpouchrunthroughhisfingers，histhoughtsreturnedtothepileofyellowingotsaboutwhichtheArabsandtheAbyssinianshadwagedtheirrelentlessbattle。
Whatwasthereincommonbetweenthatpileofdirtymetalandthebeautiful，sparklingpebblesthathadformerlybeeninhispouch？Whatwasthemetal？
Fromwhencehaditcome？Whatwasthattantalizinghalf—convictionwhichseemedtodemandtherecognitionofhismemorythattheyellowpileforwhichthesemenhadfoughtanddiedhadbeenintimatelyconnectedwithhispast——thatithadbeenhis？
Whathadbeenhispast？Heshookhishead。Vaguelythememoryofhisapishchildhoodpassedslowlyinreview——
thencameastrangelytangledmassoffaces，figuresandeventswhichseemedtohavenorelationtoTarzanoftheApes，andyetwhichwere，evenintheirfragmentaryform，familiar。
Slowlyandpainfully，recollectionwasattemptingtoreassertitself，thehurtbrainwasmending，asthecauseofitsrecentfailuretofunctionwasbeingslowlyabsorbedorremovedbythehealingprocessesofperfectcirculation。
Thepeoplewhonowpassedbeforehismind’seyeforthefirsttimeinweeksworefamiliarfaces；butyethecouldneitherplacetheminthenichestheyhadoncefilledinhispastlife，norcallthembyname。Onewasafairshe，anditwasherfacewhichmostoftenmovedthroughthetangledrecollectionsofhisconvalescingbrain。Whowasshe？WhathadshebeentoTarzanoftheApes？HeseemedtoseeherabouttheveryspotuponwhichthepileofgoldhadbeenunearthedbytheAbyssinians；butthesurroundingswerevastlydifferentfromthosewhichnowobtained。
Therewasabuilding——thereweremanybuildings——andtherewerehedges，fences，andflowers。Tarzanpuckeredhisbrowinpuzzledstudyofthewonderfulproblem。Foraninstantheseemedtograspthewholeofatrueexplanation，andthen，justassuccesswaswithinhisgrasp，thepicturefadedintoajunglescenewhereanaked，whiteyouthdancedincompanywithabandofhairy，primordialape—things。
Tarzanshookhisheadandsighed。Whywasitthathecouldnotrecollect？Atleasthewassurethatinsomewaythepileofgold，theplacewhereitlay，thesubtlearomaoftheelusiveshehehadbeenpursuing，thememoryfigureofthewhitewoman，andhehimself，wereinextricablyconnectedbythetiesofaforgottenpast。
Ifthewomanbelongedthere，whatbetterplacetosearchorawaitherthantheveryspotwhichhisbrokenrecollectionsseemedtoassigntoher？Itwasworthtrying。Tarzanslippedthethongoftheemptypouchoverhisshoulderandstartedoffthroughthetreesinthedirectionoftheplain。
AttheoutskirtsoftheforesthemettheArabsreturninginsearchofAchmetZek。Hiding，heletthempass，andthenresumedhiswaytowardthecharredruinsofthehomehehadbeenalmostuponthepointofrecallingtohismemory。
Hisjourneyacrosstheplainwasinterruptedbythediscoveryofasmallherdofantelopeinalittleswale，wherethecoverandthewindwerewellcombinedtomakestalkingeasy。Afatyearlingrewardedahalfhourofstealthycreepingandasudden，savagerush，anditwaslateintheafternoonwhentheape—mansettledhimselfuponhishaunchesbesidehiskilltoenjoythefruitsofhisskill，hiscunning，andhisprowess。
Hishungersatisfied，thirstnextclaimedhisattention。Theriverluredhimbytheshortestpathtowarditsrefreshingwaters，andwhenhehaddrunk，nightalreadyhadfallenandhewassomehalfmileormoredownstreamfromthepointwherehehadseenthepileofyellowingots，andwherehehopedtomeetthememorywoman，orfindsomeclewtoherwhereaboutsorheridentity。
Tothejunglebred，timeisusuallyamatterofsmallmoment，andhaste，exceptwhenengenderedbyterror，byrage，orbyhunger，isdistasteful。Todaywasgone。
Thereforetomorrow，ofwhichtherewasaninfiniteprocession，wouldansweradmirablyforTarzan’sfurtherquest。And，besides，theape—manwastiredandwouldsleep。
Atreeaffordedhimthesafety，seclusionandcomfortsofawell—appointedbedchamber，andtothechorusofthehuntersandthehuntedofthewildriverbankhesoondroppedoffintodeepslumber。
Morningfoundhimbothhungryandthirstyagain，anddroppingfromhistreehemadehiswaytothedrinkingplaceattheriver’sedge。TherehefoundNuma，thelion，aheadofhim。Thebigfellowwaslappingthewatergreedily，andattheapproachofTarzanalongthetrailinhisrear，heraisedhishead，andturninghisgazebackwardacrosshismanedshouldersglaredattheintruder。Alowgrowlofwarningrumbledfromhisthroat；butTarzan，guessingthatthebeasthadbutjustquittedhiskillandwaswellfilled，merelymadeaslightdetourandcontinuedtotheriver，wherehestoppedafewyardsabovethetawnycat，anddroppinguponhishandsandkneesplungedhisfaceintothecoolwater。Foramomentthelioncontinuedtoeyetheman；
thenheresumedhisdrinking，andmanandbeastquenchedtheirthirstsidebysideeachapparentlyobliviousoftheother’spresence。
Numawasthefirsttofinish。Raisinghishead，hegazedacrosstheriverforafewminuteswiththatstonyfixityofattentionwhichisacharacteristicofhiskind。Butfortherufflingofhisblackmanetothetouchofthepassingbreezehemighthavebeenwroughtfromgoldenbronze，somotionless，sostatuesquehispose。
Adeepsighfromthecavernouslungsdispelledtheillusion。Themightyheadswungslowlyarounduntiltheyelloweyesrestedupontheman。Thebristledlipcurvedupward，exposingyellowfangs。Anotherwarninggrowlvibratedtheheavyjowls，andthekingofbeaststurnedmajesticallyaboutandpacedslowlyupthetrailintothedensereeds。
TarzanoftheApesdrankon，butfromthecornersofhisgrayeyeshewatchedthegreatbrute’severymoveuntilhehaddisappearedfromview，and，after，hiskeenearsmarkedthemovementsofthecarnivore。
Aplungeintheriverwasfollowedbyascantbreakfastofeggswhichchancediscoveredtohim，andthenhesetoffuprivertowardtheruinsofthebungalowwherethegoldeningotshadmarkedthecenterofyesterday’sbattle。
Andwhenhecameuponthespot，greatwashissurpriseandconsternation，fortheyellowmetalhaddisappeared。Theearth，trampledbythefeetofhorsesandmen，gavenoclew。Itwasasthoughtheingotshadevaporatedintothinair。
Theape—manwasatalosstoknowwheretoturnorwhatnexttodo。Therewasnosignofanyspoorwhichmightdenotethattheshehadbeenhere。Themetalwasgone，andiftherewasanyconnectionbetweenthesheandthemetalitseemeduselesstowaitforhernowthatthelatterhadbeenremovedelsewhere。
Everythingseemedtoeludehim——theprettypebbles，theyellowmetal，theshe，hismemory。Tarzanwasdisgusted。HewouldgobackintothejungleandlookforChulk，andsoheturnedhisstepsoncemoretowardtheforest。Hemovedrapidly，swingingacrosstheplaininalong，easytrot，andattheedgeoftheforest，takingtothetreeswiththeagilityandspeedofasmallmonkey。
Hisdirectionwasaimless——hemerelyracedonandonthroughthejungle，thejoyofunfetteredactionhisprincipalurge，withthehopeofstumblinguponsomeclewtoChulkortheshe，asecondaryincentive。
Fortwodaysheroamedabout，killing，eating，drinkingandsleepingwhereverinclinationandthemeanstoindulgeitoccurredsimultaneously。Itwasuponthemorningofthethirddaythatthescentspoorofhorseandmanwerewaftedfaintlytohisnostrils。Instantlyhealteredhiscoursetoglidesilentlythroughthebranchesinthedirectionfromwhichthescentcame。
Itwasnotlongbeforehecameuponasolitaryhorsemanridingtowardtheeast。Instantlyhiseyesconfirmedwhathisnosehadpreviouslysuspected——theriderwashewhohadstolenhisprettypebbles。Thelightofrageflaredsuddenlyinthegrayeyesastheape—mandroppedloweramongthebranchesuntilhemovedalmostdirectlyabovetheunconsciousWerper。
Therewasaquickleap，andtheBelgianfeltaheavybodyhurtleontotherumpofhisterror—strickenmount。
Thehorse，snorting，leapedforward。Giantarmsencircledtherider，andinthetwinklingofaneyehewasdraggedfromhissaddletofindhimselflyinginthenarrowtrailwithanaked，whitegiantkneelinguponhisbreast。
RecognitioncametoWerperwiththefirstglanceathiscaptor’sface，andapalloroffearoverspreadhisfeatures。Strongfingerswereathisthroat，fingersofsteel。Hetriedtocryout，topleadforhislife；
butthecruelfingersdeniedhimspeech，astheywereassurelydenyinghimlife。
\"Theprettypebbles？\"criedthemanuponhisbreast。
\"Whatdidyouwiththeprettypebbles——withTarzan’sprettypebbles？\"
Thefingersrelaxedtopermitareply。ForsometimeWerpercouldonlychokeandcough——atlastheregainedthepowersofspeech。
\"AchmetZek，theArab，stolethemfromme，\"hecried；
\"hemademegiveupthepouchandthepebbles。\"
\"Isawallthat，\"repliedTarzan；\"butthepebblesinthepouchwerenotthepebblesofTarzan——theywereonlysuchpebblesasfillthebottomsoftherivers，andtheshelvingbanksbesidethem。EventheArabwouldnothavethem，forhethrewthemawayinangerwhenhehadlookeduponthem。ItismyprettypebblesthatIwant——wherearethey？\"
\"Idonotknow，Idonotknow，\"criedWerper。\"IgavethemtoAchmetZekorhewouldhavekilledme。Afewminuteslaterhefollowedmealongthetrailtoslayme，althoughhehadpromisedtomolestmenofurther，andIshotandkilledhim；butthepouchwasnotuponhispersonandthoughIsearchedaboutthejungleforsometimeIcouldnotfindit。\"
\"Ifoundit，Itellyou，\"growledTarzan，\"andIalsofoundthepebbleswhichAchmetZekhadthrownawayindisgust。TheywerenotTarzan’spebbles。Youhavehiddenthem！TellmewheretheyareorIwillkillyou，\"andthebrownfingersoftheape—manclosedalittletighteruponthethroatofhisvictim。
Werperstruggledtofreehimself。\"MyGod，LordGreystoke，\"hemanagedtoscream，\"wouldyoucommitmurderforahandfulofstones？\"
Thefingersathisthroatrelaxed，apuzzled，far—awayexpressionsoftenedthegrayeyes。
\"LordGreystoke！\"repeatedtheape—man。\"LordGreystoke！WhoisLordGreystoke？WherehaveIheardthatnamebefore？\"
\"Whyman，youareLordGreystoke，\"criedtheBelgian。
\"YouwereinjuredbyafallingrockwhentheearthquakeshatteredthepassagetotheundergroundchambertowhichyouandyourblackWazirihadcometofetchgoldeningotsbacktoyourbungalow。Theblowshatteredyourmemory。YouareJohnClayton，LordGreystoke——don’tyouremember？\"
\"JohnClayton，LordGreystoke！\"repeatedTarzan。Thenforamomenthewassilent。Presentlyhishandwentfalteringlytohisforehead，anexpressionofwondermentfilledhiseyes——ofwondermentandsuddenunderstanding。Theforgottennamehadreawakenedthereturningmemorythathadbeenstrugglingtoreassertitself。Theape—manrelinquishedhisgraspuponthethroatoftheBelgian，andleapedtohisfeet。
\"God！\"hecried，andthen，\"Jane！\"SuddenlyheturnedtowardWerper。\"Mywife？\"heasked。\"Whathasbecomeofher？Thefarmisinruins。Youknow。Youhavehadsomethingtodowithallthis。YoufollowedmetoOpar，youstolethejewelswhichIthoughtbutprettypebbles。Youareacrook！Donottrytotellmethatyouarenot。\"
\"Heisworsethanacrook，\"saidaquietvoiceclosebehindthem。
Tarzanturnedinastonishmenttoseeatallmaninuniformstandinginthetrailafewpacesfromhim。
BackofthemanwereanumberofblacksoldiersintheuniformoftheCongoFreeState。
\"Heisamurderer，Monsieur，\"continuedtheofficer。
\"Ihavefollowedhimforalongtimetotakehimbacktostandtrialforthekillingofhissuperiorofficer。\"
Werperwasuponhisfeetnow，gazing，whiteandtrembling，atthefatewhichhadovertakenhimeveninthefastnessofthelabyrinthinejungle。Instinctivelyheturnedtoflee；butTarzanoftheApesreachedoutastronghandandgraspedhimbytheshoulder。
\"Wait！\"saidtheape—mantohiscaptive。\"Thisgentlemanwishesyou，andsodoI。WhenIamthroughwithyou，hemayhaveyou。Tellmewhathasbecomeofmywife。\"
TheBelgianofficereyedthealmostnaked，whitegiantwithcuriosity。Henotedthestrangecontrastofprimitiveweaponsandapparel，andtheeasy，fluentFrenchwhichthemanspoke。Theformerdenotedthelowest，thelatterthehighesttypeofculture。Hecouldnotquitedeterminethesocialstatusofthisstrangecreature；butheknewthathedidnotrelishtheeasyassurancewithwhichthefellowpresumedtodictatewhenhemighttakepossessionoftheprisoner。
\"Pardonme，\"hesaid，steppingforwardandplacinghishandonWerper’sothershoulder；\"butthisgentlemanismyprisoner。Hemustcomewithme。\"
\"WhenIamthroughwithhim，\"repliedTarzan，quietly。
Theofficerturnedandbeckonedtothesoldiersstandinginthetrailbehindhim。Acompanyofuniformedblackssteppedquicklyforwardandpushingpastthethree，surroundedtheape—manandhiscaptive。
\"Boththelawandthepowertoenforceitareuponmyside，\"announcedtheofficer。\"Letushavenotrouble。
Ifyouhaveagrievanceagainstthismanyoumayreturnwithmeandenteryourchargeregularlybeforeanauthorizedtribunal。\"
\"Yourlegalrightsarenotabovesuspicion，myfriend，\"
repliedTarzan，\"andyourpowertoenforceyourcommandsareonlyapparent——notreal。YouhavepresumedtoenterBritishterritorywithanarmedforce。Whereisyourauthorityforthisinvasion？
Wherearetheextraditionpaperswhichwarrantthearrestofthisman？AndwhatassurancehaveyouthatI
cannotbringanarmedforceaboutyouthatwillpreventyourreturntotheCongoFreeState？\"
TheBelgianlosthistemper。\"Ihavenodispositiontoarguewithanakedsavage，\"hecried。\"Unlessyouwishtobehurtyouwillnotinterferewithme。Taketheprisoner，Sergeant！\"
WerperraisedhislipsclosetoTarzan’sear。\"Keepmefromthem，andIcanshowyoutheveryspotwhereIsawyourwifelastnight，\"hewhispered。\"Shecannotbefarfromhereatthisveryminute。\"
Thesoldiers，followingthesignalfromtheirsergeant，closedintoseizeWerper。TarzangrabbedtheBelgianaboutthewaist，andbearinghimbeneathhisarmashemighthaveborneasackofflour，leapedforwardinanattempttobreakthroughthecordon。Hisrightfistcaughtthenearestsoldieruponthejawandsenthimhurtlingbackwarduponhisfellows。Clubbedriflesweretornfromthehandsofthosewhobarredhisway，andrightandlefttheblacksoldiersstumbledasideinthefaceoftheape—man’ssavagebreakforliberty。
Socompletelydidtheblackssurroundthetwothattheydarednotfireforfearofhittingoneoftheirownnumber，andTarzanwasalreadythroughthemanduponthepointofdodgingintotheconcealingmazesofthejunglewhenonewhohadsneakeduponhimfrombehindstruckhimaheavyblowupontheheadwitharifle。
Inaninstanttheape—manwasdownandadozenblacksoldierswereuponhisback。Whenheregainedconsciousnesshefoundhimselfsecurelybound，aswasWerperalso。TheBelgianofficer，successhavingcrownedhisefforts，wasingoodhumor，andinclinedtochaffhisprisonersabouttheeasewithwhichtheyhadbeencaptured；butfromTarzanoftheApesheelicitednoresponse。Werper，however，wasvolubleinhisprotests。HeexplainedthatTarzanwasanEnglishlord；buttheofficeronlylaughedattheassertion，andadvisedhisprisonertosavehisbreathforhisdefenseincourt。
AssoonasTarzanregainedhissensesanditwasfoundthathewasnotseriouslyinjured，theprisonerswerehastenedintolineandthereturnmarchtowardtheCongoFreeStateboundarycommenced。
Towardeveningthecolumnhaltedbesideastream，madecampandpreparedtheeveningmeal。Fromthethickfoliageofthenearbyjungleapairoffierceeyeswatchedtheactivitiesoftheuniformedblackswithsilentintensityandcuriosity。Frombeneathbeetlingbrowsthecreaturesawthebomaconstructed，thefiresbuilt，andthesupperprepared。
TarzanandWerperhadbeenlyingboundbehindasmallpileofknapsacksfromthetimethatthecompanyhadhalted；butwiththepreparationofthemealcompleted，theirguardorderedthemtoriseandcomeforwardtooneofthefireswheretheirhandswouldbeunfetteredthattheymighteat。
Asthegiantape—manrose，astartledexpressionofrecognitionenteredtheeyesofthewatcherinthejungle，andalowgutturalbrokefromthesavagelips。
InstantlyTarzanwasalert，buttheansweringgrowldieduponhislips，suppressedbythefearthatitmightarousethesuspicionsofthesoldiers。
Suddenlyaninspirationcametohim。HeturnedtowardWerper。
\"Iamgoingtospeaktoyouinaloudvoiceandinatonguewhichyoudonotunderstand。AppeartolistenintentlytowhatIsay，andoccasionallymumblesomethingasthoughreplyinginthesamelanguage——ourescapemayhingeuponthesuccessofyourefforts。\"
Werpernoddedinassentandunderstanding，andimmediatelytherebrokefromthelipsofhiscompanionastrangejargonwhichmighthavebeencomparedwithequalproprietytothebarkingandgrowlingofadogandthechatteringofmonkeys。
Thenearersoldierslookedinsurpriseattheape—man。
Someofthemlaughed，whileothersdrewawayinevidentsuperstitiousfear。TheofficerapproachedtheprisonerswhileTarzanwasstilljabbering，andhaltedbehindthem，listeninginperplexedinterest。WhenWerpermumbledsomeridiculousjargoninreplyhiscuriositybrokebounds，andhesteppedforward，demandingtoknowwhatlanguageitwasthattheyspoke。
Tarzanhadgaugedthemeasureoftheman’sculturefromthenatureandqualityofhisconversationduringthemarch，andherestedthesuccessofhisreplyupontheestimatehehadmade。
\"Greek，\"heexplained。
\"Oh，IthoughtitwasGreek，\"repliedtheofficer；\"butithasbeensomanyyearssinceIstudieditthatIwasnotsure。Infuture，however，IwillthankyoutospeakinalanguagewhichIammorefamiliarwith。\"
Werperturnedhisheadtohideagrin，whisperingtoTarzan：\"ItwasGreektohimallright——andtome，too。\"
Butoneoftheblacksoldiersmumbledinalowvoicetoacompanion：\"Ihaveheardthosesoundsbefore——onceatnightwhenIwaslostinthejungle，Iheardthehairymenofthetreestalkingamongthemselves，andtheirwordswerelikethewordsofthiswhiteman。Iwishthatwehadnotfoundhim。Heisnotamanatall——heisabadspirit，andweshallhavebadluckifwedonotlethimgo，\"andthefellowrolledhiseyesfearfullytowardthejungle。
Hiscompanionlaughednervously，andmovedaway，torepeattheconversation，withvariationsandexaggerations，toothersoftheblacksoldiery，sothatitwasnotlongbeforeafrightfultaleofblackmagicandsuddendeathwaswovenaboutthegiantprisoner，andhadgonetheroundsofthecamp。
Anddeepinthegloomyjungleamidstthedarkeningshadowsofthefallingnightahairy，manlikecreatureswungswiftlysouthwarduponsomesecretmissionofhisown。
23
ANightofTerrorToJaneClayton，waitinginthetreewhereWerperhadplacedher，itseemedthatthelongnightwouldneverend，yetenditdidatlast，andwithinanhourofthecomingofdawnherspiritsleapedwithrenewedhopeatsightofasolitaryhorsemanapproachingalongthetrail。
Theflowingburnoose，withitsloosehood，hidboththefaceandthefigureoftherider；butthatitwasM。
Frecoultthegirlwellknew，sincehehadbeengarbedasanArab，andhealonemightbeexpectedtoseekherhidingplace。
Thatwhichshesawrelievedthestrainofthelongnightvigil；buttherewasmuchthatshedidnotsee。
Shedidnotseetheblackfacebeneaththewhitehood，northefileofebonhorsemenbeyondthetrail’sbendridingslowlyinthewakeoftheirleader。Thesethingsshedidnotseeatfirst，andsosheleaneddownwardtowardtheapproachingrider，acryofwelcomeforminginherthroat。
Atthefirstwordthemanlookedup，reiningininsurprise，andasshesawtheblackfaceofAbdulMourak，theAbyssinian，sheshrankbackinterroramongthebranches；butitwastoolate。Themanhadseenher，andnowhecalledtohertodescend。Atfirstsherefused；butwhenadozenblackcavalrymendrewupbehindtheirleader，andatAbdulMourak’scommandoneofthemstartedtoclimbthetreeafterhersherealizedthatresistancewasfutile，andcameslowlydowntostanduponthegroundbeforethisnewcaptorandpleadhercauseinthenameofjusticeandhumanity。
Angeredbyrecentdefeat，andbythelossofthegold，thejewels，andhisprisoners，AbdulMourakwasinnomoodtobeinfluencedbyanyappealtothosesoftersentimentstowhich，asamatteroffact，hewasalmostastrangerevenunderthemostfavourableconditions。
HelookedfordegradationandpossibledeathinpunishmentforhisfailuresandhismisfortuneswhenheshouldhavereturnedtohisnativelandandmadehisreporttoMenelek；butanacceptablegiftmighttemperthewrathoftheemperor，andsurelythisfairflowerofanotherraceshouldbegratefullyreceivedbytheblackruler！
WhenJaneClaytonhadconcludedherappeal，AbdulMourakrepliedbrieflythathewouldpromiseherprotection；butthathemusttakehertohisemperor。
Thegirldidnotneedaskhimwhy，andonceagainhopediedwithinherbreast。Resignedlyshepermittedherselftobeliftedtoaseatbehindoneofthetroopers，andagain，undernewmasters，herjourneywasresumedtowardwhatshenowbegantobelievewasherinevitablefate。
AbdulMourak，bereftofhisguidesbythebattlehehadwagedagainsttheraiders，andhimselfunfamiliarwiththecountry，hadwanderedfarfromthetrailheshouldhavefollowed，andasaresulthadmadebutlittleprogresstowardthenorthsincethebeginningofhisflight。Todayhewasbeatingtowardthewestinthehopeofcominguponavillagewherehemightobtainguides；butnightfoundhimstillasfarfromarealizationofhishopesashadtherisingsun。
Itwasadispiritedcompanywhichwentintocamp，waterlessandhungry，inthedensejungle。Attractedbythehorses，lionsroaredabouttheboma，andtotheirhideousdinwasaddedtheshrillneighsoftheterror—strickenbeaststheyhunted。Therewaslittlesleepformanorbeast，andthesentriesweredoubledthattheremightbeenoughondutybothtoguardagainstthesuddenchargeofanoverbold，oroverhungrylion，andtokeepthefireblazingwhichwasanevenmoreeffectualbarrieragainstthemthanthethornyboma。
Itwaswellpastmidnight，andasyetJaneClayton，notwithstandingthatshehadpassedasleeplessnightthenightbefore，hadscarcelymorethandozed。A
senseofimpendingdangerseemedtohanglikeablackpalloverthecamp。Theveterantroopersoftheblackemperorwerenervousandillatease。AbdulMouraklefthisblanketsadozentimestopacerestlesslybackandforthbetweenthetetheredhorsesandthecracklingfire。Thegirlcouldseehisgreatframesilhouettedagainsttheluridglareoftheflames，andsheguessedfromthequick，nervousmovementsofthemanthathewasafraid。
Theroaringofthelionsroseinsuddenfuryuntiltheearthtrembledtothehideouschorus。Thehorsesshrilledtheirneighsofterrorastheylaybackupontheirhalterropesintheirmadendeavorstobreakloose。Atrooper，braverthanhisfellows，leapedamongthekicking，plunging，fear—maddenedbeastsinafutileattempttoquietthem。Alion，large，andfierce，andcourageous，leapedalmosttotheboma，fullinthebrightlightfromthefire。Asentryraisedhispieceandfired，andthelittleleadenpelletunstopperedthevialsofhellupontheterror—strickencamp。
Theshotploughedadeepandpainfulfurrowinthelion’sside，arousingallthebestialfuryofthelittlebrain；butabatingnotawhitthepowerandvigorofthegreatbody。
Unwounded，thebomaandtheflamesmighthaveturnedhimback；butnowthepainandtheragewipedcautionfromhismind，andwithaloud，andangryroarhetoppedthebarrierwithaneasyleapandwasamongthehorses。
Whathadbeenpandemoniumbeforebecamenowanindescribabletumultofhideoussound。Thestrickenhorseuponwhichthelionleapedshriekedoutitsterroranditsagony。Severalaboutitbroketheirtethersandplungedmadlyaboutthecamp。Menleapedfromtheirblanketsandwithgunsreadyrantowardthepicketline，andthenfromthejunglebeyondthebomaadozenlions，emboldenedbytheexampleoftheirfellowchargedfearlesslyuponthecamp。
Singlyandintwosandthreestheyleapedtheboma，untilthelittleenclosurewasfilledwithcursingmenandscreaminghorsesbattlingfortheirliveswiththegreen—eyeddevilsofthejungle。
Withthechargeofthefirstlion，JaneClaytonhadscrambledtoherfeet，andnowshestoodhorror—struckatthesceneofsavageslaughterthatswirledandeddiedabouther。Onceaboltinghorseknockedherdown，andamomentlateralion，leapinginpursuitofanotherterror—strickenanimal，brushedhersocloselythatshewasagainthrownfromherfeet。
Amidstthecrackingoftheriflesandthegrowlsofthecarnivorarosethedeathscreamsofstrickenmenandhorsesastheyweredraggeddownbytheblood—madcats。
Theleapingcarnivoraandtheplunginghorses，preventedanyconcertedactionbytheAbyssinians——itwaseverymanforhimself——andinthemelee，thedefenselesswomanwaseitherforgottenorignoredbyherblackcaptors。Ascoreoftimeswasherlifemenacedbycharginglions，byplunginghorses，orbythewildlyfiredbulletsofthefrightenedtroopers，yettherewasnochanceofescape，fornowwiththefiendishcunningoftheirkind，thetawnyhunterscommencedtocircleabouttheirprey，hemmingthemwithinaringofmighty，yellowfangs，andsharp，longtalons。Againandagainanindividuallionwoulddashsuddenlyamongthefrightenedmenandhorses，andoccasionallyahorse，goadedtofrenzybypainorterror，succeededinracingsafelythroughthecirclinglions，leapingtheboma，andescapingintothejungle；
butforthemenandthewomannosuchescapewaspossible。
Ahorse，struckbyastraybullet，fellbesideJaneClayton，alionleapedacrosstheexpiringbeastfulluponthebreastofablacktrooperjustbeyond。Themanclubbedhisrifleandstruckfutilelyatthebroadhead，andthenhewasdownandthecarnivorewasstandingabovehim。
Shriekingouthisterror，thesoldierclawedwithpunyfingersattheshaggybreastinvainendeavortopushawaythegrinningjaws。Thelionloweredhishead，thegapingfangsclosedwithasinglesickeningcrunchuponthefear—distortedface，andturningstrodebackacrossthebodyofthedeadhorsedragginghislimpandbloodyburdenwithhim。
Wide—eyedthegirlstoodwatching。Shesawthecarnivorestepuponthecorpse，stumblingly，asthegrislythingswungbetweenitsforepaws，andhereyesremainedfixedinfascinationwhilethebeastpassedwithinafewpacesofher。
Theinterferenceofthebodyseemedtoenragethelion。
Heshooktheinanimateclayvenomously。Hegrowledandroaredhideouslyatthedead，insensatething，andthenhedroppeditandraisedhisheadtolookaboutinsearchofsomelivingvictimuponwhichtowreakhisilltemper。Hisyelloweyesfastenedthemselvesbalefullyuponthefigureofthegirl，thebristlinglipsraised，disclosingthegrinningfangs。Aterrificroarbrokefromthesavagethroat，andthegreatbeastcrouchedtospringuponthisnewandhelplessvictim。
QuiethadfallenearlyuponthecampwhereTarzanandWerperlaysecurelybound。Twonervoussentriespacedtheirbeats，theireyesrollingoftentowardtheimpenetrableshadowsofthegloomyjungle。Theotherssleptortriedtosleep——allbuttheape—man。Silentlyandpowerfullyhestrainedatthebondswhichfetteredhiswrists。
Themusclesknottedbeneaththesmooth，brownskinofhisarmsandshoulders，theveinsstoodoutuponhistemplesfromtheforceofhisexertions——astrandparted，anotherandanother，andonehandwasfree。
Thenfromthejunglecamealowguttural，andtheape—manbecamesuddenlyasilent，rigidstatue，withearsandnostrilsstrainingtospantheblackvoidwherehiseyesightcouldnotreach。
Againcametheuncannysoundfromthethickverdurebeyondthecamp。Asentryhaltedabruptly，straininghiseyesintothegloom。Thekinkywooluponhisheadstiffenedandraised。Hecalledtohiscomradeinahoarsewhisper。
\"Didyouhearit？\"heasked。
Theothercamecloser，trembling。
\"Hearwhat？\"
Againwastheweirdsoundrepeated，followedalmostimmediatelybyasimilarandansweringsoundfromthecamp。Thesentriesdrewclosetogether，watchingtheblackspotfromwhichthevoiceseemedtocome。
Treesoverhungthebomaatthispointwhichwasupontheoppositesideofthecampfromthem。Theydarednotapproach。Theirterrorevenpreventedthemfromarousingtheirfellows——theycouldonlystandinfrozenfearandwatchforthefearsomeapparitiontheymomentarilyexpectedtoseeleapfromthejungle。
Norhadtheylongtowait。Adim，bulkyformdroppedlightlyfromthebranchesofatreeintothecamp。Atsightofitoneofthesentriesrecoveredcommandofhismusclesandhisvoice。Screamingloudlytoawakenthesleepingcamp，heleapedtowardtheflickeringwatchfireandthrewamassofbrushuponit。
Thewhiteofficerandtheblacksoldierssprangfromtheirblankets。Theflamesleapedhighupontherejuvenatedfire，lightingtheentirecamp，andtheawakenedmenshrankbackinsuperstitiousterrorfromthesightthatmettheirfrightenedandastonishedvision。
Adozenhugeandhairyformsloomedlargebeneaththetreesatthefarsideoftheenclosure。Thewhitegiant，onehandfreed，hadstruggledtohiskneesandwascallingtothefrightful，nocturnalvisitorsinahideousmedleyofbestialgutturals，barkingsandgrowlings。
Werperhadmanagedtositup。He，too，sawthesavagefacesoftheapproachinganthropoidsandscarcelyknewwhethertoberelievedorterror—stricken。
Growling，thegreatapesleapedforwardtowardTarzanandWerper。Chulkledthem。TheBelgianofficercalledtohismentofireupontheintruders；buttheNegroesheldback，filledastheywerewithsuperstitiousterrorofthehairytreemen，andwiththeconvictionthatthewhitegiantwhocouldthussummonthebeastsofthejungletohisaidwasmorethanhuman。
Drawinghisownweapon，theofficerfired，andTarzanfearingtheeffectofthenoiseuponhisreallytimidfriendscalledtothemtohastenandfulfillhiscommands。
Acoupleoftheapesturnedandfledatthesoundofthefirearm；butChulkandahalfdozenotherswaddledrapidlyforward，and，followingtheape—man’sdirections，seizedbothhimandWerperandborethemofftowardthejungle。
Bydintofthreats，reproachesandprofanitytheBelgianofficersucceededinpersuadinghistremblingcommandtofireavolleyaftertheretreatingapes。A
ragged，stragglingvolleyitwas，butatleastoneofitsbulletsfoundamark，forasthejungleclosedaboutthehairyrescuers，Chulk，whoboreWerperacrossonebroadshoulder，staggeredandfell。
Inaninstanthewasupagain；buttheBelgianguessedfromhisunsteadygaitthathewashardhit。Helaggedfarbehindtheothers，anditwasseveralminutesaftertheyhadhaltedatTarzan’scommandbeforehecameslowlyuptothem，reelingfromsidetoside，andatlastfallingagainbeneaththeweightofhisburdenandtheshockofhiswound。
AsChulkwentdownhedroppedWerper，sothatthelatterfellfacedownwardwiththebodyoftheapelyinghalfacrosshim。InthispositiontheBelgianfeltsomethingrestingagainsthishands，whichwerestillboundathisback——somethingthatwasnotapartofthehairybodyoftheape。
Mechanicallytheman’sfingersfeltoftheobjectrestingalmostintheirgrasp——itwasasoftpouch，filledwithsmall，hardparticles。Werpergaspedinwondermentasrecognitionfilteredthroughtheincredulityofhismind。Itwasimpossible，andyet——
itwastrue！
Feverishlyhestrovetoremovethepouchfromtheapeandtransferittohisownpossession；buttherestrictedradiustowhichhisbondsheldhishandspreventedthis，thoughhedidsucceedintuckingthepouchwithitspreciouscontentsinsidethewaistbandofhistrousers。
Tarzan，sittingatashortdistance，wasbusywiththeremainingknotsofthecordswhichboundhim。
Presentlyheflungasidethelastofthemandrosetohisfeet。ApproachingWerperhekneltbesidehim。Foramomentheexaminedtheape。
\"Quitedead，\"heannounced。\"Itistoobad——hewasasplendidcreature，\"andthenheturnedtotheworkofliberatingtheBelgian。
Hefreedhishandsfirst，andthencommencedupontheknotsathisankles。
\"Icandotherest，\"saidtheBelgian。\"Ihaveasmallpocketknifewhichtheyoverlookedwhentheysearchedme，\"andinthiswayhesucceededinriddinghimselfoftheape—man’sattentionsthathemightfindandopenhislittleknifeandcutthethongwhichfastenedthepouchaboutChulk’sshoulder，andtransferitfromhiswaistbandtothebreastofhisshirt。ThenheroseandapproachedTarzan。
Onceagainhadavariceclaimedhim。ForgottenwerethegoodintentionswhichtheconfidenceofJaneClaytoninhishonorhadawakened。Whatshehaddone，thelittlepouchhadundone。Howithadcomeuponthepersonofthegreatape，Werpercouldnotimagine，unlessithadbeenthattheanthropoidhadwitnessedhisfightwithAchmetZek，seentheArabwiththepouchandtakenitawayfromhim；butthatthispouchcontainedthejewelsofOpar，Werperwaspositive，andthatwasallthatinterestedhimgreatly。
\"Now，\"saidtheape—man，\"keepyourpromisetome。
Leadmetothespotwhereyoulastsawmywife。\"
Itwasslowworkpushingthroughthejungleinthedeadofnightbehindtheslow—movingBelgian。Theape—manchafedatthedelay，buttheEuropeancouldnotswingthroughthetreesascouldhismoreagileandmuscularcompanions，andsothespeedofallwaslimitedtothatoftheslowest。
Theapestrailedoutbehindthetwowhitemenforamatterofafewmiles；butpresentlytheirinterestlagged，theforemostofthemhaltedinalittlegladeandtheothersstoppedathisside。Theretheysatpeeringfrombeneaththeirshaggybrowsatthefiguresofthetwomenforgingsteadilyahead，untilthelatterdisappearedintheleafytrailbeyondtheclearing。
Thenanapesoughtacomfortablecouchbeneathatree，andonebyonetheothersfollowedhisexample，sothatWerperandTarzancontinuedtheirjourneyalone；norwasthelattereithersurprisedorconcerned。
Thetwohadgonebutashortdistancebeyondthegladewheretheapeshaddesertedthem，whentheroaringofdistantlionsfellupontheirears。Theape—manpaidnoattentiontothefamiliarsoundsuntilthecrackofariflecamefaintlyfromthesamedirection，andwhenthiswasfollowedbytheshrillneighingofhorses，andanalmostcontinuousfusilladeofshotsintermingledwithincreasedandsavageroaringofalargetroopoflions，hebecameimmediatelyconcerned。
\"Someoneishavingtroubleoverthere，\"hesaid，turningtowardWerper。\"I’llhavetogotothem——theymaybefriends。\"
\"Yourwifemightbeamongthem，\"suggestedtheBelgian，forsincehehadagaincomeintopossessionofthepouchhehadbecomefearfulandsuspiciousoftheape—man，andinhismindhadconstantlyrevolvedmanyplansforeludingthisgiantEnglishman，whowasatoncehissaviorandhiscaptor。
AtthesuggestionTarzanstartedasthoughstruckwithawhip。
\"God！\"hecried，\"shemightbe，andthelionsareattackingthem——theyareinthecamp。Icantellfromthescreamsofthehorses——andthere！thatwasthecryofamaninhisdeathagonies。Stayhereman——Iwillcomebackforyou。Imustgofirsttothem，\"andswingingintoatreethelithefigureswungrapidlyoffintothenightwiththespeedandsilenceofadisembodiedspirit。
ForamomentWerperstoodwheretheape—manhadlefthim。Thenacunningsmilecrossedhislips。\"Stayhere？\"heaskedhimself。\"Stayhereandwaituntilyoureturntofindandtakethesejewelsfromme？NotI，myfriend，notI，\"andturningabruptlyeastwardAlbertWerperpassedthroughthefoliageofahangingvineandoutofthesightofhisfellow—man——forever。
24
HomeAsTarzanoftheApeshurtledthroughthetreesthediscordantsoundsofthebattlebetweentheAbyssiniansandthelionssmotemoreandmoredistinctlyuponhissensitiveears，redoublinghisassurancethattheplightofthehumanelementoftheconflictwascriticalindeed。
Atlasttheglareofthecampfireshoneplainlythroughtheinterveningtrees，andamomentlaterthegiantfigureoftheape—manpauseduponanoverhangingboughtolookdownuponthebloodysceneofcarnagebelow。
Hisquickeyetookinthewholescenewithasinglecomprehendingglanceandstoppeduponthefigureofawomanstandingfacingagreatlionacrossthecarcassofahorse。
ThecarnivorewascrouchingtospringasTarzandiscoveredthetragictableau。Numawasalmostbeneaththebranchuponwhichtheape—manstood，nakedandunarmed。Therewasnotevenaninstant’shesitationuponthepartofthelatter——itwasasthoughhehadnotevenpausedinhisswiftprogressthroughthetrees，solightning—likehissurveyandcomprehensionofthescenebelowhim——soinstantaneoushisconsequentaction。
SohopelesshadseemedhersituationtoherthatJaneClaytonbutstoodinlethargicapathyawaitingtheimpactofthehugebodythatwouldhurlhertotheground——awaitingthemomentaryagonythatcrueltalonsandgrislyfangsmayinflictbeforethecomingofthemercifuloblivionwhichwouldendhersorrowandhersuffering。
Whatusetoattemptescape？Aswellfacethehideousendastobedraggeddownfrombehindinfutileflight。
Shedidnotevenclosehereyestoshutoutthefrightfulaspectofthatsnarlingface，andsoitwasthatasshesawthelionpreparingtochargeshesaw，too，abronzedandmightyfigureleapfromanoverhangingtreeattheinstantthatNumaroseinhisspring。
Widewenthereyesinwonderandincredulity，asshebeheldthisseemingapparitionrisenfromthedead。
Thelionwasforgotten——herownperil——everythingsavethewondrousmiracleofthisstrangerecrudescence。
Withpartedlips，withpalmstightpressedagainstherheavingbosom，thegirlleanedforward，large—eyed，enthralledbythevisionofherdeadmate。
Shesawthesinewyformleaptotheshoulderofthelion，hurtlingagainsttheleapingbeastlikeahuge，animatebatteringram。Shesawthecarnivorebrushedasideashewasalmostuponher，andintheinstantsherealizedthatnosubstancelesswraithcouldthusturnthechargeofamaddenedlionwithbruteforcegreaterthanthebrute’s。
Tarzan，herTarzan，lived！Acryofunspeakablegladnessbrokefromherlips，onlytodieinterrorasshesawtheutterdefenselessnessofhermate，andrealizedthatthelionhadrecoveredhimselfandwasturninguponTarzaninmadlustforvengeance。
Attheape—man’sfeetlaythediscardedrifleofthedeadAbyssinianwhosemutilatedcorpsesprawledwhereNumahadabandonedit。Thequickglancewhichhadsweptthegroundforsomeweaponofdefensediscoveredit，andasthelionreareduponhishindlegstoseizetherashman—thingwhohaddaredinterposeitspunystrengthbetweenNumaandhisprey，theheavystockwhirredthroughtheairandsplintereduponthebroadforehead。
NotasanordinarymortalmightstrikeablowdidTarzanoftheApesstrike；butwiththemaddenedfrenzyofawildbeastbackedbythesteelthewswhichhiswild，arborealboyhoodhadbequeathedhim。Whentheblowendedthesplinteredstockwasdriventhroughthesplinteredskullintothesavagebrain，andtheheavyironbarrelwasbentintoarudeV。
Intheinstantthatthelionsank，lifeless，totheground，JaneClaytonthrewherselfintotheeagerarmsofherhusband。Forabriefinstanthestrainedherdearformtohisbreast，andthenaglanceabouthimawakenedtheape—mantothedangerswhichstillsurroundedthem。
Uponeveryhandthelionswerestillleapinguponnewvictims。Fear—maddenedhorsesstillmenacedthemwiththeirerraticboltingfromonesideoftheenclosuretotheother。Bulletsfromthegunsofthedefenderswhoremainedalivebutaddedtotheperilsoftheirsituation。
Toremainwastocourtdeath。TarzanseizedJaneClaytonandliftedhertoabroadshoulder。Theblackswhohadwitnessedhisadventlookedoninamazementastheysawthenakedgiantleapeasilyintothebranchesofthetreefromwhencehehaddroppedsouncannilyuponthescene，andvanishashehadcome，bearingawaytheirprisonerwithhim。
Theyweretoowelloccupiedinself—defensetoattempttohalthim，norcouldtheyhavedonesootherthanbythewastingofapreciousbulletwhichmightbeneededthenextinstanttoturnthechargeofasavagefoe。
Andso，unmolested，TarzanpassedfromthecampoftheAbyssinians，fromwhichthedinofconflictfollowedhimdeepintothejungleuntildistancegraduallyobliterateditentirely。
BacktothespotwherehehadleftWerperwenttheape—man，joyinhisheartnow，wherefearandsorrowhadsorecentlyreigned；andinhismindadeterminationtoforgivetheBelgianandaidhiminmakinggoodhisescape。Butwhenhecametotheplace，Werperwasgone，andthoughTarzancalledaloudmanytimeshereceivednoreply。Convincedthatthemanhadpurposelyeludedhimforreasonsofhisown，JohnClaytonfeltthathewasundernoobligationstoexposehiswifetofurtherdangeranddiscomfortintheprosecutionofamorethoroughsearchforthemissingBelgian。
\"Hehasacknowledgedhisguiltbyhisflight，Jane，\"hesaid。\"Wewilllethimgotolieinthebedthathehasmadeforhimself。\"
Straightashomingpigeons，thetwomadetheirwaytowardtheruinanddesolationthathadoncebeenthecenteroftheirhappylives，andwhichwassoontoberestoredbythewillingblackhandsoflaughinglaborers，madehappyagainbythereturnofthemasterandmistresswhomtheyhadmournedasdead。
PastthevillageofAchmetZektheirwayledthem，andtheretheyfoundbutthecharredremainsofthepalisadeandthenativehuts，stillsmoking，asmuteevidenceofthewrathandvengeanceofapowerfulenemy。
\"TheWaziri，\"commentedTarzanwithagrimsmile。
\"Godblessthem！\"criedJaneClayton。
\"Theycannotbefaraheadofus，\"saidTarzan，\"Basuliandtheothers。ThegoldisgoneandthejewelsofOpar，Jane；butwehaveeachotherandtheWaziri——andwehaveloveandloyaltyandfriendship。Andwhataregoldandjewelstothese？\"
\"IfonlypoorMugambilived，\"shereplied，\"andthoseotherbravefellowswhosacrificedtheirlivesinvainendeavortoprotectme！\"
Inthesilenceofmingledjoyandsorrowtheypassedalongthroughthefamiliarjungle，andastheafternoonwaswaningtherecamefaintlytotheearsoftheape—manthemurmuringcadenceofdistantvoices。
\"WearenearingtheWaziri，Jane，\"hesaid。\"Icanhearthemaheadofus。Theyaregoingintocampforthenight，Iimagine。\"
AhalfhourlaterthetwocameuponahordeofebonwarriorswhichBasulihadcollectedforhiswarofvengeanceupontheraiders。WiththemwerethecapturedwomenofthetribewhomtheyhadfoundinthevillageofAchmetZek，andtall，evenamongthegiantWaziri，loomedafamiliarblackformatthesideofBasuli。ItwasMugambi，whomJanehadthoughtdeadamidstthecharredruinsofthebungalow。
Ah，suchareunion！Longintothenightthedancingandthesingingandthelaughterawoketheechoesofthesomberwood。Againandagainwerethestoriesoftheirvariousadventuresretold。Againandonceagaintheyfoughttheirbattleswithsavagebeastandsavageman，anddawnwasalreadybreakingwhenBasuli，forthefortiethtime，narratedhowheandahandfulofhiswarriorshadwatchedthebattleforthegoldeningotswhichtheAbyssiniansofAbdulMourakhadwagedagainsttheArabraidersofAchmetZek，andhow，whenthevictorshadriddenawaytheyhadsneakedoutoftheriverreedsandstolenawaywiththepreciousingotstohidethemwherenorobbereyeevercoulddiscoverthem。
PiecedoutfromthefragmentsoftheirvariousexperienceswiththeBelgianthetruthconcerningthemalignactivitiesofAlbertWerperbecameapparent。
OnlyLadyGreystokefoundaughttopraiseintheconductoftheman，anditwasdifficultevenforhertoreconcilehismanyheinousactswiththisoneevidenceofchivalryandhonor。
\"Deepinthesoulofeveryman，\"saidTarzan，\"mustlurkthegermofrighteousness。Itwasyourownvirtue，Jane，rathereventhanyourhelplessnesswhichawakenedforaninstantthelatentdecencyofthisdegradedman。Inthatoneactheretrievedhimself，andwhenheiscalledtofacehisMakermayitoutweighinthebalance，allthesinshehascommitted。\"
AndJaneClaytonbreathedafervent，\"Amen！\"
Monthshadpassed。ThelaboroftheWaziriandthegoldofOparhadrebuiltandrefurnishedthewastedhomesteadoftheGreystokes。OncemorethesimplelifeofthegreatAfricanfarmwentonasithadbeforethecomingoftheBelgianandtheArab。Forgottenwerethesorrowsanddangersofyesterday。
ForthefirsttimeinmonthsLordGreystokefeltthathemightindulgeinaholiday，andsoagreathuntwasorganizedthatthefaithfullaborersmightfeastincelebrationofthecompletionoftheirwork。
Initselfthehuntwasasuccess，andtendaysafteritsinauguration，awell—ladensafaritookupitsreturnmarchtowardtheWaziriplain。LordandLadyGreystokewithBasuliandMugambirodetogetherattheheadofthecolumn，laughingandtalkingtogetherinthateasyfamiliaritywhichcommoninterestsandmutualrespectbreedbetweenhonestandintelligentmenofanyraces。
JaneClayton’shorseshiedsuddenlyatanobjecthalfhiddeninthelonggrassesofanopenspaceinthejungle。Tarzan’skeeneyessoughtquicklyforanexplanationoftheanimal’saction。
\"Whathavewehere？\"hecried，swingingfromhissaddle，andamomentlaterthefourweregroupedaboutahumanskullandalittlelitterofwhitenedhumanbones。
Tarzanstoopedandliftedaleathernpouchfromthegrislyrelicsofaman。Thehardoutlinesofthecontentsbroughtanexclamationofsurprisetohislips。
\"ThejewelsofOpar！\"hecried，holdingthepouchaloft，\"and，\"pointingtothebonesathisfeet，\"allthatremainsofWerper，theBelgian。\"
Mugambilaughed。\"Lookwithin，Bwana，\"hecried，\"andyouwillseewhatarethejewelsofOpar——youwillseewhattheBelgiangavehislifefor，\"andtheblacklaughedaloud。
\"Whydoyoulaugh？\"askedTarzan。
\"Because，\"repliedMugambi，\"IfilledtheBelgian’spouchwithrivergravelbeforeIescapedthecampoftheAbyssinianswhoseprisonerswewere。IlefttheBelgianonlyworthlessstones，whileIbroughtawaywithmethejewelshehadstolenfromyou。ThattheywereafterwardstolenfrommewhileIsleptinthejungleismyshameandmydisgrace；butatleasttheBelgianlostthem——openhispouchandyouwillsee。\"
Tarzanuntiedthethongwhichheldthemouthoftheleathernbagclosed，andpermittedthecontentstotrickleslowlyforthintohisopenpalm。Mugambi’seyeswentwideatthesight，andtheothersutteredexclamationsofsurpriseandincredulity，forfromtherustyandweatherwornpouchranastreamofbrilliant，scintillatinggems。
\"ThejewelsofOpar！\"criedTarzan。\"ButhowdidWerpercomebythemagain？\"
Nonecouldanswer，forbothChulkandWerperweredead，andnootherknew。
\"Poordevil！\"saidtheape—man，asheswungbackintohissaddle。\"Evenindeathhehasmaderestitution——
lethissinsliewithhisbones。\"
