Edgar Rice Burroughs - Tarzan 19 - Tarzan's Quest

7/23/2019 Edgar Rice Burroughs - Tarzan 19 - Tarzan's Quest

1/101

Tarzan 19 - Tarzan's Questby

Edgar Rice Burroughs

Chapter 1 The Princess Sborov."MY DEAR Jane, you no! everyone.""ot #uite, $a%e&' but one sees everyone in the Savoy.""(ho is that !o)an at the secon* tab&e to our ri+ht - the one !ho spoe so cor*ia&&y. There isso)ethin+ very a)i&iar about her - /0) sure /0ve seen her beore.""You probab&y have. Don0t you re)e)ber itty rause""2 - oh, yes' no! / reca&& her. 3ut she !ent !ith an o&*er cro!*.""Yes, she0s a u&& +eneration ahea* o us' but itty0* &ie to or+et that an* have everyone e&seor+et it.""4et0s see - she )arrie* Peters, the cotton in+, *i*n0t she""Yes, an* !hen he *ie* he &et her so )any )i&&ions she *i*n0t have enou+h in+ers to count 0e)on' so the poor !o)an !i&& never no! ho! rich she is."

"/s that her son !ith her""Son, )y *ear5 That0s her ne! husban*.""$usban* (hy, she0s o&* enou+h to - ""Yes, o course' but you see he0s a prince, an* itty a&!ays !as - er - !e&&, a)bitious.""Yes, / reca&& no! - so)ethin+ o a c&i)ber' but she c&i)be* pretty hi+h, even in aristocratic o&*3a&ti)ore, !ith those Peters )i&&ions.""3ut she0s an a!u&&y +oo* sou&, $a%e&. /0) rea&&y very on* o her. There isn0t anythin+ she!ou&*n0t *o or a rien*, an* un*erneath that one si&&y co)p&e6 o hers is a heart o +o&*.""An* in* to her )other5 / anyone ever says /0) +oo* - hearte*, /0&& - ""S - sh, $a%e&' she0s co)in+ over."The o&*er !o)an, o&&o!e* by her husban*, s!oope* *o!n upon the). "My *ar&in+ Jane," shecrie*, "/0) so +&a* to see you.""An* /0) +&a* to see you, itty. You re)e)ber $a%e& Stron+, *on0t you"

"2h, not o the Stron+s o 3a&ti)ore5 2h, )y *ear5 / )ean /0) 7ust - ho! perect&y !on*er - / )ustpresent )y husban*, Prince Sborov. A&e6is, )y very, very *earest rien*s, 4a*y 8reystoe an*Miss Stron+.""4a*y Tennin+ton no!, itty," correcte* Jane."2h, )y *ear, ho! perect&y !on*eru&5 4a*y 8reystoe an* 4a*y Tennin+ton, A&e6is, *ear.""Char)e*," )ur)ure* the youn+ )an. $is &ips s)i&e*' but the )ury &i+ht in his *eep eyes !asappraisin+, #uestionin+, as they broo*e* upon the &ove&y ace o Jane, 4a*y 8reystoe."(on0t you 7oin us" invite* the &atter. "P&ease sit *o!n. You no! it0s been a+es, itty, since !eha* a +oo* visit.""2h, ho! perect&y !on - oh, /0* &ove to - / )ean it see)s - than you, A&e6is *ear - no! you sitover there.""(hy, itty, it )ust be a year since / have hear* anythin+ o you, e6cept !hat / have rea* in thene!spapers," sai* Jane."At that, you )i+ht be very !e&& inor)e* as to our +oin+s an* co)in+s," re)are* Sborov, a &itt&eironica&&y."Yes, in*ee* - / )ean - !e have a !ho&e boo i&&e* !ith ne!spaper c&ippin+s - so)e o the)!ere horri*.""3ut you ept the) a&&," re)are* the prince."2h, !e&&," crie* Princess Sborov, "/ )ean - / suppose one )ust pay or a)e an* position' butthese ne!spaper peop&e can be so terrib&y horri*.""3ut !hat have you been *oin+" in#uire* Jane. "$ave you been bac ho)e a+ain /0) sure youhaven0t been in 4on*on or a year.""o, !e spent the !ho&e year on the continent. (e ha* a perect&y !on*eru& ti)e, *i*n0t !e,


2/101

A&e6is *ear You see it !as &ast Sprin+ in Paris that !e )et' an* *ear, *ear A&e6is 7ust s!ept )eo )y eet. $e !ou&*n0t tae no or an ans!er, !ou&* you, *ar&in+""$o! cou&* /, )y s!eet""There, you see, isn0t he !on - an* then !e !ere )arrie*, an* !e0ve been trave&in+ ever since.""An* no!, / suppose, you are +oin+ to sett&e *o!n" ase* Jane."2h, )y *ear, no. You never cou&* +uess !hat !e0re p&annin+ on no! - !e are +oin+ to Arica5""Arica5 $o! interestin+," co))ente* $a%e&. "Arica5 (hat )e)ories it con7ures.""You have been to Arica, 4a*y Tennin+ton" in#uire* the prince."Ri+ht in the heart o it - canniba&s, &ions, e&ephants - everythin+.""2h, ho! perect&y !on*er - / )ean ho! thri&&in+ - an* / no! that Jane no!s a&& there is to no!about Arica.""ot #uite a&&, itty.0""3ut enou+h," interpose* $a%e&."/0) +oin+ *o!n )yse&, short&y," sai* Jane. "You see," she a**e*, turnin+ to Prince Sborov, "4or*8reystoe spen*s a +reat *ea& o ti)e in Arica. / a) p&annin+ on 7oinin+ hi) there. / have a&rea*ybooe* )y passa+e.""2h, ho! perect&y !on*eru&," e6c&ai)e* the princess. "/ )ean, !e can a&& +o to+ether.""That is a sp&en*i* i*ea, )y *ear," sai* the prince, his ace bri+htenin+."/t !ou&* be &ove&y," sai* Jane, "but you see, / a) +oin+ into the interior, an* / a) sure that you - ""2h, )y *ear, so are !e."

"3ut, itty, you *on0t no! !hat you0re ta&in+ about. You !ou&*n0t &ie it at a&&. o co)orts, no&u6uries' *irt, insects, s)e&&y natives, an* a&& in*s o !i&* beasts.""2h, but )y *ear, !e are - / )ean, !e rea&&y are. Sha&& / te&& 4a*y 8reystoe our secret, *ar&in+"The prince shru++e*. "(hy not She cou&* have &itt&e )ore than a passin+ interest.""(e&&, )aybe so)e *ay she !i&&. (e a&& +ro! o&*, you no!, )y *ear.""/t see)s incre*ib&e to thin - " )ur)ure* A&e6is ha& to hi)se&."(hat *i* you say, *ar&in+" interrupte* his !ie."/ !as 7ust +oin+ to say that 4a*y 8reystoe )i+ht thin the story incre*ib&e.""o! you )ust te&& )e," sai* Jane. "You have )y curiosity arouse*.""Yes, in*ee*, *o te&& us," ur+e* $a%e&."(e&&, )y *ears, you see it !as &ie this. (e have been *oin+ a +reat *ea& o &yin+ the past year,an* it0s perect&y !on*eru&. (e 7ust &ove it, an* so / bou+ht an aerop&ane in Paris &ast !ee. (e&e! to 4on*on in it' but !hat / !as +oin+ to te&& you is about our pi&ot. $e is an A)erican, an* he

has ha* the )ost a)a%in+ e6periences.""/ thin he is !hat you ca&& a racster in A)erica," sai* A&e6is."You )ean a +an+ster, )y *ear," correcte* the princess."2r a raceteer," su++este* $a%e&."(hatever he is, / *o not &ie hi)," sai* A&e6is."3ut, )y *ear, you have to a*)it that he is a +oo* pi&ot. / )ean that he is perect&y !on*er - an*he has been to Arica an* ha* the )ost ri+htu& e6periences."The &ast ti)e he !as there, he +ot trac o a !itch - *octor !ho possesses the secret o ana)a%in+ or)u&a or rene!in+ youth an* in*ucin+ &on+evity. $e )et a )an !ho no!s !here theo&* e&&o! &ives !ay in the interior' but neither o the) ha* )oney enou+h to or+ani%e ane6pe*ition to +o in search o hi). $e says that this !i&& )ae peop&e as youn+ as they !ish to bean* eep the) that !ay orever. 2h, isn0t it !on*eru&""/ thin the e&&o! is a scoun*re&," sai* A&e6is. "$e has in*uce* )y !ie to inance this e6pe*ition'

an* !hen he +ets us *o!n there in the interior, he !i&& probab&y s&it our throats an* stea& our7e!e&ry.""2h, )y *ar&in+, / a) sure you are #uite !ron+. 3ro!n is the &ast !or* in &oya&ty.""$e )ay be a&& o that, but sti&& / *on0t see !hy you !ant to *ra+ )e to Arica - the bu+s, the *irt'an* / *o not &ie &ions."Jane &au+he*. "Rea&&y, you )i+ht spen* a year in Arica !ithout seein+ a &ion' an* you !i&& +etuse* to the bu+s an* the *irt."Prince Sborov +ri)ace*. "/ preer the Savoy," he sai*."You !i&& +o !ith us, *ear, !on0t you" insiste* itty."(e&&," hesitate* Jane, "/ rea&&y *on0t no!. /n the irst p&ace, / *on0t no! !here you are +oin+."


3/101

"(e are +oin+ to &y *irect to airobi an* outit there' an*, )y *ear, to +et any p&ace in Arica, youhave to +o to airobi irst."Jane s)i&e*. "(e&&, it happens that that is !here / inten* +oin+ any!ay. 4or* 8reystoe is to )eet)e there.""Then it0s a&& sett&e*. 2h, isn0t it !on*eru&""You a&)ost )ae )e !ant to +o," sai* $a%e&."(e&&, )y *ear, !e !ou&* be *e&i+hte* to have you," e6c&ai)e* Princess Sborov. "You see, / havea si6 - passen+er cabin p&ane. There are our o us, an* the pi&ot an* )y )ai* !i&& )ae si6.""$o! about )y )an" ase* the prince."2h, )y *ear, you !on0t nee* a )an in Arica. You !i&& have a &itt&e co&ore* boy !ho !i&& *o your!ashin+ an* cooin+ an* carry your +un. / rea* about it ti)e an* ti)e a+ain in Arican stories.""2 course," sai* $a%e&, "it0s a!u&&y s!eet o you' but / rea&&y cou&*n0t +o. /t0s out o the #uestion.3unny an* / are sai&in+ or A)erica Satur*ay.""3ut you0&& co)e !ith us, Jane *ear""(hy, /0* &ie to, itty, i / can +et rea*y in ti)e. (hen *o you start""(e !ere p&annin+ on +oin+ ne6t !ee' but, o course, / )ean - i - ""(hy, yes, / thin / can )ae it a&& ri+ht.""Then it0s sett&e*, )y *ear. $o! perect&y !on - !e0&& tae o ro) the Croy*on Air*ro)e ne6t(e*nes*ay.""/0&& cab&e 4or* 8reystoe to*ay' an* 9ri*ay / a) +ivin+ a are!e&& *inner or 4or* an* 4a*y

Tennin+ton, an* you an* Prince Sborov )ust be there."

Chapter : Soun* Above the Stor).T$E 42RD o the Jun+&e rose ro) a cru*e, &ea - covere* p&ator) constructe* in the crotch ot!o branches o a )i+hty patriarch o the 7un+&e. $e stretche* &u6urious&y. The s&antin+ rays o the)ornin+ sun )ott&e* his bron%e bo*y throu+h the &eay canopy that stretche* inter)inab&y abovehi).4itt&e i)a stirre* an* a!oe. (ith a screa), he &eape* to the shou&*er o the ape - )an an*encirc&e* his nec !ith his hairy ar)s."Sheeta5" screa)e* the )oney. "$e !as about to sprin+ on &itt&e i)a."The ape - )an s)i&e*. "i)a has been seein+ thin+s in his s&eep," he sai*.The )oney &ooe* about hi) a)on+ the branches o the trees an* *o!n at the +roun* be&o!.Then, seein+ that no *an+er threatene*, he co))ence* to *ance an* chatter' but present&y the

ape - )an si&ence* hi) an* &istene*."Sheeta co)es," he sai*. "$e is co)in+ up !in* to!ar* us. (e cannot s)e&& hi) but i Manu ha*the ears o Tar - %an, he cou&* hear hi)."The )oney coce* an ear *o!n !in* an* &istene*. "4itt&e i)a hears hi)," he sai*. "$e co)ess&o!&y." Present&y the sinuous, ta!ny bo*y o the panther orce* its !ay throu+h the brush an*ca)e into vie! be&o! the)."Sheeta is not huntin+," sai* Tar%an. "$e has e* an* he is not hun+ry." An* thus reassure*,i)a co))ence* to hur& invectives at the sava+e beast be&o! the). The +reat cat pause* an*&ooe* up, an* !hen he sa! Tar%an an* i)a he bare* his an+s in an an+ry snar&. 3ut hestarte* on a+ain, or he ha* no business !ith the).9ee&in+ secure in the protection o Tar%an, &itt&e i)a !a6e* be&&i+erent, as he a&!ays *i* un*ersi)i&ar circu)stances !hen the possibi&ity o *an+er see)e* re)ote. $e hur&e* at his here*itaryene)y every 7un+&e epithet that he cou&* put his ton+ue to, but as these see)e* to )ae no

i)pression upon Sheeta he &eape* ro) Tar%an0s shou&*er to a trai&in+ vine that bore a sot, i&& -s)e&&in+ ruit, an* +atherin+ one o these he hur&e* it at the panther.3y acci*ent, his ai) prove* true' an* the )issi&e struc Sheeta on the bac o the hea*.(ith an an+ry snar&, the beast !hee&e* about an* starte* to!ar* the tree that harbore* hisannoyer. Screa)in+ !ith terror, &itt&e i)a &e* up!ar*s to the saety o the s)a&&er branchesthat !ou&* not bear the !ei+ht o the +reat cat.The ape - )an +rinne* up ater the &eein+ )oney an* then +&ance* *o!n at the an+ry panther.

A &o!, +ro!&in+ "ree+ - ah" ru)b&e* ro) his throat, an* the other beast be&o! returne* anans!erin+ +ro!&. Then it turne* an* s&un a!ay into the 7un+&e, ru)b&in+ in its throat.The ape - )an !as returnin+ &eisure&y ro) an e6cursion into a re)ote *istrict o the +reat orest,


4/101

ar ro) his o!n haunts.$e ha* hear* stran+e ru)ors, an* he ha* +one to investi+ate the). 9ro) *eep in the interior, onthe bor*ers o a tract&ess !aste that e! )en ha* entere* an* ro) !hich so)e ha* neverreturne* a&ive, ha* co)e a stran+e an* )ysterious story since so &on+ beore the )e)ory o&ivin+ )an that the acts ha* beco)e inter!oven !ith the &e+en*s an* the o&&ore o the tribesinhabitin+ this bor*er&an* to such an e6tent that they ha* co)e to be accepte* as so)ethin+inevitab&e an* inescapab&e' but recent&y the *isappearance o youn+ +ir&s ha* increase* to ana&ar)in+ e6tent an* ha* occurre* in tribes ar re)ove* ro) the )ysterious country.3ut !hen Tar%an investi+ate* an* sou+ht to so&ve the )ystery, he !as ba&e* by the ear an*superstition o the natives. So earu& !ere they o the )a&i+n, )ysterious po!er that snatche*their youn+ +ir&s ro) the), that they !ou&* +ive Tar%an no inor)ation or assist hi) in any !ay toai* the)' an* so, *is+uste*, he ha* &et the) to their ate.

Ater a&&, !hy shou&* the ape - )an concern hi)se& 4ie to the 7un+&e - bre* is a co))o*ity o&itt&e va&ue. /t is +iven an* taen casua&&y as a )atter o course. 2ne &oves or i&&s as natura&&y asone s&eeps or *rea)s. Yet the )ystery o the thin+ intri+ue* hi).Youn+ +ir&s, a&!ays bet!een the a+es o ourteen an* t!enty, vanishe* as in thin air. o trace othe) ever !as seen a+ain. Their ate re)aine* an unso&ve* )ystery.3ut by no! Tar%an ha* re&e+ate* the )atter to the bac+roun* o his thou+hts, or his active )in*cou&* not &on+ concern itse& !ith a prob&e) that *i* not c&ose&y concern hi) an* !hich at anyevent see)e* i)possib&e o so&ution.

$e s!un+ easi&y throu+h the trees, his a&ert senses conscious o a&& that transpire* !ithin theirran+e. Since Sheeta ha* passe* up !in*, he ha* no!n by the *ecreasin+ vo&u)e o the +reatcat0s spoor that the *istance bet!een the) !as constant&y increasin+ - proo that Sheeta !as notsta&in+ hi). 9ro) ar a!ay, )ute* by the *istance, soun*e* the roar o u)a, the &ion' an**eeper in the orest Tantor, the e&ephant, tru)pete*.The )ornin+ air, the soun*s an* s)e&&s o his be&ove* 7un+&e, i&&e* the ape - )an !ithe6hi&aration. $a* he been the creature o another environ)ent, he )i+ht have !hist&e* or sun+ or!hoope* a&ou* &ie a co!boy in sheer e6uberance o spirit' but the 7un+&e - bre* are not thus.They vei& their e)otions' an* they )ove noise&ess&y a&!ays, or thus *o they e6ten* the span otheir precarious &ives.Sca)perin+ so)eti)es at his si*e, so)eti)es ar above hi), &itt&e i)a trave&&e* )any ti)esthe *istance o his )aster, !astin+ )uch ener+y' as, sae in the protection o his beneactor, heinsu&te* a&& &ivin+ thin+s that ca)e his !ay.

3ut present&y he sa! his )aster stop an* sni the air an* &isten, an* then &itt&e i)a *roppe*si&ent&y to a +reat bron%e* shou&*er."Men," sai* Tar%an.The &itt&e )oney snie* the air. "i)a s)e&&s nothin+," he sai*."either *oes Tar%an," rep&ie* the ape - )an, "but he hears the). (hat is !ron+ !ith the ears o&itt&e i)a Are they +ro!in+ o&*""o! i)a hears the). Tar)an+ani" he ase*."o," rep&ie* Tar%an, "Tar)an+ani )ae *ierent soun*s - the s#ueein+ o &eather, the ratt&e otoo )uch e#uip)ent. These are 8o)an+ani' they )ove sot&y.""(e sha&& i&& the)," sai* i)a.The ape - )an s)i&e*. "/t is !e&& or the peace o the 7un+&e that you have not the stren+th o3o&+ani, the +ori&&a' but perhaps i you ha*, you !ou&* not be so b&oo* - thirsty."";+h, 3o&+ani," sneere* i)a, conte)ptuous&y. "$e hi*es in the thicets an* runs a!ay at the

irst soun* that he hears."The ape - )an chan+e* his *irection to the ri+ht an* )a*e a +reat circ&e throu+h the trees unti&present&y he reache* a point !here ;sha, the !in*, cou&* carry the scent spoor o the stran+ersto hi)."8o)an+ani," he sai*."Many 8o)an+ani," e6c&ai)e* i)a, e6cite*&y. "They are as the &eaves upon the trees. 4et us+o a!ay. They !i&& i&& &itt&e i)a an* eat hi).""There are not so )any," rep&ie* Tar%an, "no )ore than the in+ers upon )y t!o han*s, a huntin+party, perhaps. (e !i&& +o c&oser."Movin+ up on the b&acs ro) behin*, the ape - )an rapi*&y c&ose* up the *istance bet!een


5/101

the). The scent spoor +re! stron+er in his nostri&s."They are rien*s," he sai*. "They are (a%iri."The t!o 7un+&e creatures )ove* on in si&ence then, unti& they overhau&e* a i&e o b&ac !arriors!ho )ove* si&ent&y a&on+ the 7un+&e trai&. Then Tar%an spoe to the) in their o!n ton+ue."Muviro," he sai*, "!hat brin+s )y chi&*ren so ar ro) their o!n country"The b&acs ha&te* an* !hee&e* about, +a%in+ up into the trees ro) !hich the voice ha* see)e*to co)e. They sa! nothin+, but they ne! the voice."2h, 3!ana, it is !e&& that you have co)e," sai* Muviro. "Your chi&*ren nee* you."Tar%an *roppe* to the trai& a)on+ the). "$as har) bea&&en any o )y peop&e" he ase*, as theb&acs c&ustere* about hi)."3uira, )y *au+hter, has *isappeare*," sai* Muviro. "She !ent a&one to!ar* the river, an* that isthe &ast that !as ever seen o her.""Perhaps 8i)&a, the croco*i&e - " Tar%an co))ence* to su++est."o, it !as not 8i)&a. There !ere other !o)en at the river. 3uira never reache* the river. (ehave hear* stories, 3!ana, that i&& us !ith terror or our +ir&s. There is evi&, there is )ystery in it,3!ana. (e have hear* o the avuru. Perhaps it is they' !e +o to search or the).""Their country &ies ar a!ay," sai* Tar%an. "/ have 7ust co)e ro) a p&ace that is suppose* to benear it, but the peop&e there are a&& co!ar*s. They !ere arai* to te&& )e !here / )i+ht in* theavuru, even thou+h their +ir&s have been sto&en by these peop&e or so &on+ that no )an canre)e)ber !hen it be+an."

"Muviro !i&& in* the)," sai* the b&ac, *o++e*&y. "3uira !as a +oo* *au+hter. She !as not asother +ir&s. / !i&& in* those !ho sto&e her, an* i&& the).""An* Tar%an o the Apes !i&& he&p you," sai* the ape - )an. "$ave you oun* the trai& o thethieves""There is no trai&," rep&ie* Muviro. "That is !hy !e no! it !as the avuru' they &eave no trai&.""Many o us thin that they are *e)ons," sai* another !arrior."Men or *e)ons, / sha&& in* the) an* i&& the)," rep&ie* Muviro."9ro) a&& that / cou&* &earn," sai* Tar%an, "these 3uena &ive nearest to the avuru. They have&ost the )ost +ir&s. That is the reason it is thou+ht that they &ive nearest to the avuru, but they!ou&* not he&p )e. They !ere arai*. $o!ever, !e !i&& +o irst to the raa&s o the 3uena. / cantrave& aster' so / !i&& +o ahea*. /n our )arches, perhaps three i nothin+ *etains you, you shou&*be there. /n the )eanti)e, it )ay be that Tar%an !i&& have &earne* )ore.""o! that the bi+ 3!ana is !ith )e, )y )in* is happy a+ain," sai* Muviro, "or / no! that 3uira

!i&& be oun* an* returne* to )e, an* that those !ho too her !i&& be punishe*."Tar%an +&ance* up at the sies an* snie* the air. "A ba* stor) is co)in+, Muviro," he sai*. "/t isco)in+ ro) !here u*u, the sun, be*s *o!n at ni+ht' you !i&& have to tre *irect&y into it, an* it!i&& ho&* you bac.""3ut it !i&& not stop us, 3!ana.""o," rep&ie* Tar%an. "/t taes )ore than ;sha, the !in*, an* Ara, the &i+htnin+, to stop the (a%iri."A&rea*y ;sha is *ra!in+ his vei& o c&ou*s across the ace o u*u, hi*in+ hi) ro) Ms peop&e."Torn an* ra++e* c&ou*s scu**e* across the sy' an* in the *istance, ar to the (est, thun*erreverberate*. The ape - )an re)aine* !ith his hea* thro!n bac, !atchin+ the i)pressivespectac&e o the +atherin+ stor)."/t !i&& be a ba* stor)," he sai*, )usin+&y. "See ho! ri+htene* the c&ou*s are. 4ie a +reat her*o bua&oes, they sta)pe*e in terror, earu& o the roars o the thun*er +o* that pursues the)."The !in* no! !as !hippin+ the top)ost branches o the trees. The thun*er +re! nearer an*

increase* in vio&ence. As the c&ou*s san thicer across the sy, +&oo)y *arness sett&e* uponthe 7un+&e. 4i+htnin+ &ashe*. Thun*er crashe* terriica&&y, an* then the rain e&&. /t ca)e in so&i*sheets, ben*in+ the trees beneath its !ei+ht' an* over a&& ;sha screa)e* &ie a &ost sou&.The e&even )en s#uatte* !ith shou&*ers hunche* a+ainst the beatin+ rain, !aitin+ or the irstury o the stor) to spen* itse&.9or ha& an hour they sat there, an* sti&& the stor) ra+e* unabate*. Su**en&y the ape - )ancoce* an attentive ear up!ar*, an* a )o)ent &ater severa& o the b&acs raise* their eyes to theheavens."(hat is it, 3!ana" ase* one, earu&&y. "(hat is it in the sy that )oans an* !hines""/t soun*s very )uch &ie an aerop&ane," rep&ie* Tar%an, "but !hat an aerop&ane !ou&* be *oin+


6/101

here, / cannot un*erstan*."

Chapter < 2ut o 8as.PR/CE A4E=/S poe* his hea* into the pi&ot0s co)part)ent. $is ace, overcast !ith a +reenishpa&&or, re&ecte* apprehension, i not actua& ri+ht. "Are !e in any *an+er, 3ro!n" he shoute*above the roar o the e6haust an* the b&ast o the prope&&er. "Do you thin you can +et us out ohere""9or 8o*0s sae, shut up," snappe* the pi&ot. "Ain0t / +ot troub&es enou+h !ithout you asin+ oouestions every ive )inutes"The )an in the seat besi*e the pi&ot &ooe* horriie*. "S - s - sh," he cautione*. "You shou&*n0tspea to his 0i+hness &ie that, )y )an. /t0s )ost *isrespectu&.""uts," snappe* 3ro!n.The prince sta++ere* bac to his seat in the cabin. $e a&)ost succee*e* in re+isterin+ oen*e**i+nity !hen a current o air tosse* the ship at the )o)ent an* thre! hi) o his ba&ance, so thatit !as a very an+ry prince !ho &urche* a!!ar*&y into his seat."9asten your saety be&t, *ar&in+," a*)onishe* his princess. "(e are apt to turn over at any)inute. / )ean, rea&&y, *i* you ever see anythin+ so terrib&y rou+h 2h, / !ish !e ha* neverco)e.""So *o /," +ro!&e* A&e6is. "/ *i*n0t !ant to co)e in the irst p&ace' an* i / ever +et )y eet on the+roun* a+ain, the irst thin+ / a) +oin+ to *o is ire that i)pu*ent boor."

"/ thin, un*er the circu)stances," sai* Jane, "that !e rea&&y ou+ht to over&oo any i*iosyncrasy o)anner that he )ay )aniest. $e0s +ot a&& the responsibi&ity. $e )ust be un*er a terriic nervousstrain' an*, re+ar*&ess o everythin+ e&se, / thin you !i&& have to a*)it that so ar he has prove*hi)se& a sp&en*i* pi&ot.""Annette, )y s)e&&in+ sa&ts, p&ease," crie* Princess Sborov, in a !ea voice' "/ a) sure /0) +oin+to aint. / certain&y a).""Sapristi, !hat a trip5" e6c&ai)e* Sborov. "/ it !ere not or you, *ear &a*y, / shou&* +o cra%y. Yousee) to be the on&y one in the party !ith any poise. Are you not arai*""Yes, o course / a) arai*. (e have been &yin+ aroun* in this stor) or !hat see)s an eternity,but +ettin+ e6cite* about it !on0t *o us any +oo*.""3ut ho! can you he&p bein+ e6cite* $o! cou&* anyone he&p bein+ e6cite*""4oo at Tibbs," sai* Jane. "$e0s not e6cite*. $e0s as coo& as a cucu)ber.""3ah5" e6c&ai)e* Sborov. "Tibbs is not hu)an. / *o not &ie these En+&ish va&ets - no heart, no

ee&in+.""Rea&&y, )y *ear," e6postu&ate* the princess, "/ thin he is perect - a re+u&ar +ent&e)an0s+ent&e)an."

A vivi* &ash o &i+htnin+ shot the *ar c&ou*s that enve&ope* the). Thun*er roare* an* crashe*.The ship &urche* *runen&y onto one !in+ an* nose* su**en&y *o!n. Annette screa)e*' thePrincess Sborov s!oone*. The p&ane spun once beore 3ro!n cou&* pu&& her out o it. $e ri+hte*her !ith an eort."(h - e!5" he e6c&ai)e*."My !or*," sai* Tibbs.Princess Sborov !as s&u)pe* in her chair. $er s)e&&in+ sa&ts ha* a&&en to the &oor. $er hat !asover one eye' her hair *isheve&&e*. A&e6is )a*e no )ove to co)e to her ai*."You ha* better &oo ater the princess, Annette," sai* Jane. "/ thin she nee*s attention."There !as no ans!er. Jane turne* to see !hy the +ir& ha* not respon*e*. Annette ha* ainte*.

Jane shoo her hea*. "Tibbs," she ca&&e*. "Co)e bac here an* &oo ater the princess an*Annette. /0) co)in+ up to sit !ith 3ro!n."8in+er&y Tibbs )a*e his !ay into the cabin, an* Jane too the seat besi*e the pi&ot."That &ast !as a ba* one," she sai*. "/ rea&&y thou+ht !e !ere throu+h. You han*&e* the ship)arve&&ous&y, 3ro!n.""Thans," he sai*. "/t !ou&* be easier i they !ere a&& &ie you. The rest o the) +et in )y hair.

A&thou+h," he a**e*, "Tibbs ain0t so ba*. / +uess he0s too *u)b to be scare*.""You are havin+ rea& troub&e !ith the ship, aren0t you, 3ro!n" she ase*."Yes," he sai*. "/ *i*n0t !ant to te&& the others. They0* have +one nutty. (e0ve +ot too )uch o a&oa*. / to&* the o&* &a*y so beore !e too o' but she !as set on brin+in+ everythin+ but the


7/101

itchen sin, an* no! / can0t +et no e&evation. That0s the reason / can0t +et up above this stor),7ust !a&&o!in+ aroun* here in this )uc !ithout any i*ea !here !e are or !hich !ay !e0re +oin+'an* there0s )ountains in Arica, Miss, so)e *a)ne* hi+h )ountains.""Yes, / no! that," rep&ie* Jane. "3ut you )ust have so)e i*ea !here !e are' you have aco)pass, an* you no! your air spee*.""Yes," he sai*, "/ +ot a co)pass' an* / no! )y air spee*' but there0s another thin+ that the resto 0e) better not no!. The co)pass has +one hay!ire.""You )ean""/ )ean !e0re 7ust &yin+ b&in* in this pea soup !ithout a co)pass.""ot so +oo*' is it, 3ro!n""/0&& say it0s not.""(hat are !e +oin+ to *o about it""/ !e cou&* +et at the ba++a+e co)part)ent, !e cou&* thro! a&& the 7un out," he rep&ie*' "but !ecan0t, an* there you are.""An* in the )eanti)e !e )ay crash into a )ountain at any )o)ent, is that it""Yes, Miss," he rep&ie*, "or run out o +as an* have to co)e *o!n, !hich !i&& probab&y be 7ust asba* as hittin+ a )ountain.""There0s no other !ay out" she ase*. $er voice !as &eve&, her eyes unarai*."(e&&, /0ve +ot a &itt&e p&an /0* &ie to !or," he sai*, an* turne* to her !ith a +rin."(hat is it, 3ro!n"

"(e&&, !e can0t +et at the 7un to thro! it overboar*' but the prince )ust !ei+h about a hun*re*an* ity poun*s. That !ou&* he&p so)e."Jane turne* her hea* a!ay to hi*e a s)i&e, but evi*ent&y he sa! it."/ thou+ht you0* &ie the i*ea," he sai*."(e shou&*n0t 7oe about such a thin+, 3ro!n," she repri)an*e*."/ +uess !e can0t he&p it," he sai*. "(e both +ot that A)erican sense o hu)or.""/s the petro& - +as rea&&y very &o!, 3ro!n" she ase*."4oo," he in*icate* the +au+e on the *ash. "(e0re +oo* or about an hour at the outsi*e.""An* no parachutes.""ary a chute. Most peop&e *on0t bother !ith the) on a cabin 7ob."She shoo her hea*. "/t *oes &oo ba*, *oesn0t it 3ut !e0* better not te&& the others ho! rea&&yba* it is. There is nothin+ they can *o to he&p the)se&ves.""ot a thin+," he sai*, !ith a !ry s)i&e, "un&ess they !ant to pray."

"/ thin they0ve been *oin+ that a&rea*y.""(hat are you +oin+ to *o - 7ust cruise aroun* unti& the +as is +one""o, o course not. / / *on0t in* a ho&e in this )ess in ha& an hour, /0) +oin+ to nose *o!n easyan* try to +et un*er it. There0&& be nothin+ to it, i !e ain0t over )ountains. That0s a&& /0) arai* o.Then / )ay in* a p&ace !here / can +et her *o!n, but /0) hopin+ or a ho&e. /0* &ie to &oo *o!nirst.""Jane5 Jane5" /t !as a p&aintive !ai& ro) the cabin. "2h, )y *ear, !here are !e / )ean are !ea&& *ea*"Jane &ooe* bac. Tibbs ha* recovere* the &ost s)e&&in+ sa&ts an* ha* successu&&y app&ie* irst -ai* to the princess. Annette ha* co)e to an* !as sobbin+ hysterica&&y. The prince sat tense an*ashen - ace*, bea*s o perspiration stan*in+ upon his orehea*. $e !as #uite evi*ent&y in a b&ueun. $e cau+ht Jane0s eye."/s there any hope" he ase*. "$as 3ro!n sai* anythin+"

"(e0&& be a&& ri+ht i he can in* an openin+ in the c&ou*s," she rep&ie*. "That is !hat he is &ooin+or.""/ !e0* ha* a *ecent pi&ot, !e0* never have +otten into this," +ru)b&e* the prince. "As / to&* you,itty, you shou&* have hire* a +oo* 9rench pi&ot. These A)ericans *on0t no! anythin+ about&yin+' an* into the bar+ain you *on0t no! anythin+ about this e&&o!, 3ro!n.""/ +uess that +uy never hear* o the (ri+ht 3rothers or 4in*ber+h," +ru)b&e* 3ro!n."Don0t )in* !hat he says," sai* Jane. "(e are a&& un*er a terriic nervous strain, an* not e6act&yaccountab&e or !hat !e say or *o.""/t *oesn0t see) to be botherin+ you )uch, Miss," sai* 3ro!n."(e&&, it0s 7ust the !ay !e happen to be," she sai*, "an* !e can0t he&p that either. Just because /


8/101

succee* in hi*in+ it, *oesn0t )ean that / a) not ri+htene* to *eath.""You0re sure a +oo* sport," sai* 3ro!n. "You0ve +ot +uts, an* so / *on0t )in* te&&in+ you that /*on0t ee& &ie no &itt&e schoo& +ir& +oin+ to her irst picnic. / can thin o &ots o thin+s /0* rather *othan crash in the )i**&e o Arica.""(hat *i* he say" *e)an*e* Sborov. "(e are +oin+ to crash 4oo !hat you have +otten )einto, you o&* oo&," he crie*, an+ri&y, turnin+ upon his !ie, "you an* your re7uvenation an* yourperpetua& youth. Sapristi5 You0ve ha* your ace &ite* so )any ti)es no! that you cou&* bearreste* or in*ecent e6posure."The Princess Sborov +aspe*. "(hy, A&e6is5" she e6c&ai)e*. Then she burst into tears."2h, !hy *i* / ever co)e" !ai&e* Annette. "/ *i* not !ish to co)e. / a) arai*. / *o not !ant to*ie. 2h, )on Dieu, save )e5 Save )e5""$ere, )a*a), try the s)e&&in+ sa&ts a+ain," sai* Tibbs."ice party," re)are* 3ro!n. "Perhaps they thin /0) en7oyin+ it.""/n +reat *an+er, !e thin )ost&y o ourse&ves," sai* Jane."/ suppose so. /0) thinin+ )ost&y o )yse& ri+ht no!' but /0) thinin+ o you an* Annette an*Tibbs, too. You0re !orth savin+. As ar as the other t!o are concerne*, /0* &ie to chuc 0e)overboar*' but / thin / rea* so)e!here that there !as a &a! a+ainst that.""Yes, / be&ieve there is," s)i&e* Jane. "3ut, rea&&y, 3ro!n, *o you no! / have an i*ea that you are+oin+ to +et us out o this a&& ri+ht""That0s the irst encoura+e)ent /0ve ha*," he rep&ie*. "An* /0) sure +oin+ to try to +et us out o

this. /t a&& *epen*s upon !hat0s un*erneath this )ess. / there0s any cei&in+ at a&&, !e0&& have achance' an* that0s !hat /0) hopin+ or.""/0) prayin+ or it.""/0) +oin+ to start *o!n no!, Miss. /0&& 7ust ease her *o!n s&o!&y.""At a hun*re* an* ity )i&es an hour.""(e&&, !e !on0t &ose e&evation that ast."The ship struc a *o!n current an* *roppe* a hun*re* eet, careenin+ !i&*&y. The screa)s o thePrincess Sborov an* Annette, the )ai*, )in+&e* !ith the curses o A&e6is.Jane +aspe*. "(e&&, !e !ent *o!n pretty ast that ti)e," she sai*."3ut !hen she *rops &ie that, you can be sure you0re not on the +roun*, any!ay. The air has tohave so)e p&ace to +o. /t can0t +et throu+h the earth' so they never carry you a&& the !ay *o!n."9or tense )inutes the t!o sat in si&ence. Then su**en&y Jane voice* a #uic e6c&a)ation. "4oo,3ro!n," she crie*, "trees5 (e0re be&o! it."

"Yes," he sai*, "an* !ith ive hun*re* eet to spare but - "She &ooe* at hi) #uestionin+&y. "(e0re not )uch better o, are !e $o! )uch +as have you&et""2h, )aybe iteen or t!enty )inutes, an* / *on0t nee* to te&& you - !e&&, it *oesn0t &oo so hot.""othin+ but orest," she sai*' "there0s not a p&ace to &an* any!here.""(e )ay in* an openin+, an* be&ieve )e it !on0t have to be a Croy*on either.""An* i you *on0t in* an openin+"$e shru++e*. "(e0&& 7ust have to set *o!n in the tree tops," he sai*. "The chances are pretty airthat !e !on0t a&& be i&&e*, Miss." $e turne* an* &ooe* bac in the cabin. "Tibbs, +et into a seatan* asten your saety be&t. Put your !raps an* pi&&o!s in ront o your aces. / a) +oin+ to )aea orce* &an*in+ in a e! )inutes. / !i&& te&& you !hen. / you pa* your aces, you )ay not +et hurtat a&&."obo*y )a*e any rep&y. The princess )oane*, an* Annette sobbe*.

"There0s a terriic !in*, isn0t there" sai* Jane. "4oo at those tree tops ben*.""Yes," he sai*, "an* in a !ay that )ay he&p us. The !in* !i&& cut *o!n our +roun* spee* a &ot'an* i / can hoo the tai& si* into those trees, !e )ay &an* on the) easy-&ie an* han+ there.""You no! those tree tops )ay be a coup&e o hun*re* eet ro) the +roun*, or even )ore""Yes," he sai*, "/ suppose they )ay, but / *on0t thin !e0&& +o throu+h the)' they &oo too *ense.

An* i / set her *o!n easy, the !in+s an* use&a+e !i&& catch an* ho&* her. / thin !e0ve +ot achance."The ship si))e* on a e! hun*re* eet above the s!ayin+ orest top or severa& )inutes. There!as no si+n o a c&earin+' no brea in those !i&*&y tossin+ !aves o +reen."(e0re out o +as no!, Miss," sai* 3ro!n, an* )echanica&&y he cut the s!itch. Then he turne*


9/101

bac once )ore to the cabin. "$o&* everythin+," he sai*' "/0) +oin+ to brin+ her *o!n."

Chapter > /n the raa& o ;*a&o.T$E S$/P sett&e* to!ar* the )a*&y tossin+ sea o +reen o&ia+e be&o!. 3&in*in+ rain *rove insheets a+ainst the !in*o!s o the cabin. ?ivi* &i+htnin+ shot the +&oo) beneath the *ar,+&o!erin+ c&ou*s. Thun*er crashe*. Strai+ht into the teeth o the +a&e, 3ro!n nose* *o!n. Theorce o the !in* he&* the ship unti& it see)e* to hover above the tree tops as the pi&ot &eve&e* o

7ust above the)' an* as the ship sett&e*, he brou+ht the tai& *o!n sharp&y. There !as a crash osp&interin+ !oo*, the rippin+ o torn abric as the ship nose* *o!n into the s!ayin+, s&ashin+branches. An* above the noise o the stor) an* the crashin+ o the ship !ere the screa)s an*curses o the terriie* passen+ers in the cabin.3ut at &ast it !as over. (ith a ina& rippin+, tearin+ 7o&t, the ship ca)e to rest.Then, or a tense an* terrib&e )o)ent, si&ence.3ro!n turne* to the +ir& at his si*e. "Are you hurt, Miss" he ase*."/ *on0t thin so," she sai*' "7ust *a%e*. /t !as terrib&e, !asn0t it"$e turne* then an* +&ance* bac into the cabin. The our passen+ers !ere han+in+ in their saetybe&ts in various sta+es o co&&apse. "A&& ri+ht bac there" he *e)an*e*. "$o! about you,

Annette" There !as a note o +reater concern in 3ro!n0s voice."2h, )on Dieu5" )oane* the 9rench +ir&. "/ a) a&rea*y *ea*."The Princess Sborov +roane*. "2h, ho! horrib&e5 (hy *oesn0t so)eone *o so)ethin+ or )e

(hy *oesn0t so)eone he&p )e Annette5 A&e6is5 (here are you / a) *yin+. (here are )ys)e&&in+ sa&ts""/t !ou&* serve you ri+ht," +ro!&e* A&e6is, "*ra++in+ )e o on a cra%y a*venture &ie this. /t0s a!on*er !e !eren0t a&& i&&e*. / !e0* ha* a 9rench pi&ot, this !ou&* never have happene*.""Don0t be so stupi*," snappe* Jane. "3ro!n han*&e* the ship )a+niicent&y."

A&e6is turne* upon Tibbs. "(hy *on0t you *o so)ethin+, you i*iot You En+&ish an* A)ericansare a&& a&ie - stupi*, *u)b. / !ante* a 9rench va&et in the irst p&ace.""Yes, sir," sai* Tibbs. "/ a) very sorry that you *i*n0t +et one, sir.""(e&&, shut up an* *o so)ethin+.""(hat sha&& / *o, sir""Sapristi5 $o! shou&* / no! 3ut *o so)ethin+.""/ a) sorry, sir, but / a) not a )ountain +oat nor a )oney. / / unasten this seat be&t, / sha&&si)p&y &an* on your hea*, sir."

"(ait a )inute," ca&&e* Jane. "/0&& see !hat can be *one." An* she unastene* her be&t an*c&i)be* up into the cabin.The ship ha* co)e to rest at an an+&e o about >@ *e+rees !ith the nose *o!n, but Jane easi&y)a*e her !ay into the cabin' an* 3ro!n o&&o!e* c&ose behin* her. She !ent irst to the PrincessSborov."Are you rea&&y serious&y hurt, itty" she ase*. "/ a) torn in t!o' / no! that a&& )y ribs arebroen.""You +ot us into this, 3ro!n," snappe* A&e6is. "o! +et us out o it.""4isten," sai* the A)erican, "you )ay be better o in than out, or !hen !e +et on the +roun* /ain0t pi&ot no )ore. / ain0t responsib&e then, an* / !on0t be tain+ any o your &ip.""Di* you hear that, itty" *e)an*e* A&e6is. "(ou&* you sit there an* &et a servant ta& to )e &iethat / you *on0t *ischar+e hi), / !i&&."3ro!n snorte* "Don0t )ae )e &au+h. You *i*n0t hire )e, you &itt&e runt' an* you ain0t +oin+ to ire

)e.""Don0t be i)pu*ent, )y )an," crie* A&e6is, his voice tre)b&in+. "You or+et !ho / a).""o, / *on0t or+et !ho you are' you ain0t nothin+. /n the country you co)e ro), ha& the cab*rivers are princes.""Co)e, co)e," snappe* Jane. "Stop bicerin+. (e )ust in* out i anyone is rea&&y in7ure*.""8et )e out o here," !ai&e* Princess Sborov. "/ can0t stan* it any &on+er.""/t !ou&* be oo&ish to try to +et out no!," sai* Jane. "Just &oo at that stor). (e sha&& be saeran* )uch )ore co)ortab&e here in the ship !hi&e the stor) &asts.""2h, !e0&& never +et *o!n ro) here. (e are !ay up in the tops o the trees," !ai&e* Annette."Don0t !orry none, sister," sai* 3ro!n, reassurin+&y. "(e0&& in* a !ay to +et *o!n ro) here !hen


10/101

the stor) &ets up. The ship0s &o*+e* ti+ht' she !on0t a&& no arther' so !e )i+ht as !e&& sit ti+ht&ie 4a*y 8reystoe says an* !ait or it to #uit rainin+ an* b&o!in+."Tibbs straine* his eyes up!ar*s throu+h the !in*o! at his si*e. "/t *oesn0t see) to be c&earin+any, i / )ay say so," he re)are*."These e#uatoria& stor)s otenti)es en* as su**en&y as they co))ence," sai* Jane. "/t )ay bea&& over, an* the sun out, !ithin ha& an hour. /0ve seen it happen a hun*re* ti)es.""2h, it !on0t ever stop rainin+' / no! it !on0t," !ai&e* the princess, "an* / *on0t see ho! !e areever +oin+ to +et *o!n ro) here i it *oes. This is terrib&e. / )ean / !ish /0* never co)e.""Cryin+ about it no!, itty, !on0t *o any +oo*," sai* Jane. "The thin+ to *o is try to )aeourse&ves co)ortab&e an* then )ae the best o it unti& the stor) &ets up an* !e can +et *o!n.$ere, 3ro!n, +et a coup&e o those seat cushions an* put the) *o!n here on the &oor in ront othe princess0 chair. Then !e0&& unasten her seat be&t an* she can turn aroun* an* sit on the &oor!ith her bac a+ainst the pi&ot0s co)part)ent.""4et )e he&p, )i&a*y," sai* Tibbs, as he unastene* his be&t an* s&i* or!ar*."The rest o you ha* better *o the sa)e thin+," sai* 3ro!n. ";nasten your be&ts an* sit on the&oor !ith your bacs a+ainst the seat in ront o you."(ith so)e *iicu&ty an* )uch sobbin+ on her part, the Princess Sborov !as ina&&y arran+e* in a)ore co)ortab&e position' an* the others, o&&o!in+ 3ro!n0s su++estion, *ispose* the)se&ves asbest they cou&* or the !ait, &on+ or short, unti& the stor) shou&* subsi*e.Tar%an an* the (a%iri hunche* in !hat )ea+er protection they cou&* in* unti& the stor) shou&*

abate' or, in its ury, it !as a orce a+ainst !hich it !ere oo&ish or )an to pit hi)se& un&ess thenee* !ere +reat.9or a!hi&e Tar%an ha* hear* the roar o the ship0s )otor, even above the stor). /t ha* beenevi*ent to hi) that the ship !as circ&in+, an* then +ra*ua&&y the soun* ha* *i)inishe* an* #uic&ya*e* into nothin+ness."3!ana," sai* Muviro, "!ere there )en up there above the stor)""Yes, at &east one," rep&ie* the ape - )an, "above it or in it. /n either event, / shou&* not care to bein his p&ace. The orest stretches )any )arches in a&& *irections. / he !ere &ooin+ or a p&ace to&an*, / *o not no! !here he !ou&* in* it.""/t is !e&& to be on the +roun*," sai* Muviro. "/ *o not thin that the +o*s inten*e* that )en shou&*&y &ie bir*s. / they ha*, they !ou&* have +iven the) !in+s."4itt&e i)a cu**&e* c&ose to his )aster. $e !as *renche* an* co&* an* )iserab&e. The !or&*&ooe* very b&ac to i)a, an* there !as no uture. $e !as #uite sure that it !ou&* a&!ays be

*ar, but he !as not resi+ne* to his ate. $e !as )ere&y too crushe* an* unhappy to co)p&ain.3ut present&y it co))ence* to +et &i+hter. The !in* passe* on !ith a &ast, *is)a& !ai&. The sunburst orth, an* the crushe* 7un+&e arose once )ore to its u&& &ie.The ape - )an arose an* shoo hi)se&, &ie a +reat &ion. "/ sha&& start no! or ;ena," he sai*,"an* ta& !ith the 3u - ena. This ti)e, perhaps, they !i&& te&& )e !here the avuru *!e&&.""There are !ays o )ain+ the) ta&," sai* Muviro."Yes," sai* Tar%an, "there are !ays.""An* !e !i&& o&&o! on to ;ena," sai* Muviro."/ you *o not in* )e there, you !i&& no! that / a) searchin+ or the avuru an* 3uira. / / nee*you, / !i&& sen* i)a bac to +ui*e you to )e."(ithout urther !or*s, !ithout use&ess +oo* - byes an* 8o* - spee*s, Tar%an s!un+ /nto the*rippin+ trees an* *isappeare* to!ar* the (est.Stran+e stories ha* co)e ro) the 3uena, an* i&tere* by !or* o )outh throu+h a hun*re*

tribes to ;%iri, the &an* o the (a%iri. They !ere ta&es o the avuru, ta&es o a sava+e, )ysteriouspeop&e, !ho) no )an sa!, or seein+, &ive* to te&&. They !ere *e)ons !ith horns an* tai&s. 2ra+ain, they !ere a race o )en !ithout hea*s. 3ut the )ost co))on report !as that they !ere arace o sava+e !hites, !ho ha* reverte* to barbaris) an* !ent nae* in their hi**en astness.2ne story ha* it that they !ere a&& !o)en, an* another that they !ere a&& )en. 3ut Tar%an ne!the *istortion that !as the ruit o )any ton+ues, an* +ave &itt&e hee* to thin+s he hear*' on&y thethin+s that he ha* seen !ith his o!n eyes !as he sure o.$e ne! that )any tribes sto&e !o)en, but otenti)es these !o)en !ere seen a+ain. Yet the!o)en that the avuru sto&e !ere not, an* so he !as !i&&in+ to a*)it that there !as so)e tribe*!e&&in+ in a re)ote astness that specia&i%e* in the stea&in+ o youn+ +ir&s. 3ut )any o the other


11/101

stories he hear*, he *i* not be&ieve.9or instance, there !as the ab&e o the &on+evity an* perpetua& youth o the avuru. That, Tar%an*i* not be&ieve, a&thou+h he ne! that there !ere )any stran+e an* unbe&ievab&e happenin+s inthe *epths o the Dar Continent./t !as a &on+ tre, even or Tar%an, bac to the country o the 3uena. The orest !as so++y an**rippin+' the 7un+&e stea)e*. 3ut o such thin+s an* their atten*ant *isco)ort, the ape - )antoo s)a&& note. 9ro) birth he ha* beco)e inure* to *isco)ort, or the 7un+&e is not aco)ortab&e p&ace. Co&*, heat, *an+er !ere as natura& to hi) as !ar)th an* co)ort an* saetyare to you. As you tae the one, he too the other, as a )atter o course. Even in inancy, he ha*never !hine* because he !as unco)ortab&e, nor *i* he ever co)p&ain. / he cou&* bettercon*itions, he *i* so' i he cou&* not, he i+nore* the).Just beore *ar, Tar%an )a*e a i&&' an* the resh )eat !ar)e* hi) an* +ave hi) ne! &ie, butthat ni+ht he s&ept co&* an* unco)ortab&e in the *an an* so++y orest.3eore *a!n he !as astir a+ain, eatin+ once )ore o his i&&. Then he s!un+ o s!it&y upon his

7ourney, unti& the +oo* re* b&oo* &o!e* hot throu+h his veins, brin+in+ !ar)th an* a sense o!e&&-bein+.3ut i)a !as )iserab&e. $e ha* !ante* to +o ho)e, an* no! he !as +oin+ bac into a stran+ecountry that he *i* not &ie. $e sco&*e* an* rette* a +reat *ea&' but !hen the sun ca)e out an*!ar)e* hi), he e&t better' an* then he sca)pere* throu+h the trees, &ooin+ or !ho) he )i+htinsu&t.

2n the )ornin+ o the thir* *ay, Tar%an ca)e to the raa& o ;*a&o, chie o the 3uena.The si+ht o the ta&&, bron%e* !hite, !ith the &itt&e )oney perche* upon his shou&*er, stri*in+throu+h the +ate into the vi&&a+e, brou+ht a hor*e o b&acs 7abberin+ an* chatterin+ about hi).$e !as no stran+er to the), or he ha* been there a short ti)e beore' an* so they !ere notarai* o hi). They !ere a &itt&e a!e*, ho!ever, or ta&es o the )i+hty ape - )an ha* reache*the) even over the +reat *istance that separate* ;ena ro) the &an* o the (a%iri.Payin+ no )ore attention to the) than he !ou&* have to a her* o !i&*ebeest, Tar%an stro*estrai+ht to the hut o ;*a&o, the chie, !here he oun* the o&* )an s#uattin+ beneath the sha*e oa tree, ta&in+ !ith so)e o the e&*ers o the tribe.;*a&o ha* been !atchin+ the approach o the ape - )an a&on+ the vi&&a+e street. $e *i* not see)over&y p&ease* to see hi)."(e thou+ht the bi+ 3!ana ha* +one a!ay, an* that he !ou&* not return," sai* the chie' "butno! he is bac. (hy"

"$e has co)e to )ae ta& !ith ;*a&o.""$e has )a*e ta& !ith ;*a&o beore. ;*a&o has to&* hi) a&& that he no!s.""This ti)e ;*a&o is +oin+ to te&& hi) )ore. $e is +oin+ to te&& hi) !here &ies the country o theavuru."The o&* )an i*+ete*. ";*a&o *oes not no!."";*a&o *oes not ta& true !or*s. $e has &ive* here a&& his &ie. The youn+ +ir&s o his tribe havebeen sto&en by the avuru. Everyone no!s that. ;*a&o is not such a oo& that he *oes not no!!here these youn+ +ir&s are taen. $e is arai* o !hat the avuru !i&& *o to hi), i he &ea*speop&e to their raa&. 3ut he nee* not be arai*' the avuru nee* not no! ho! Tar%an in*sthe).""(hy *o you !ant to +o to the raa& o the avuru They are ba* peop&e.""/ !i&& te&& you," sai* Tar%an. "3uira, the *au+hter o Muvi - ro, the here*itary chie o the (a%iri,has *isappeare*. Mu - viro thins that the avuru too her' that is !hy Tar%an, !ho is !ar chie o

the (a%iri, )ust in* the raa& o the avuru.""/ *o not no! !here it is," insiste* ;*a&o, su&&en&y. As they ta&e*, !arriors ha* been approachin+ro) a&& parts o the vi&&a+e, unti& no! Tar%an an* the chie ha* been surroun*e* by sco!&in+,si&ent spear - )en.;*a&o appeare* i&& at ease' his eyes shite* rest&ess&y. The !ho&e at)osphere see)e*surchar+e* !ith suspicion an* *an+er. Even &itt&e i)a sense* it' he tre)b&e* as he c&un+ ti+ht&yto Tar%an."(hat is the )eanin+ o this, ;*a&o" *e)an*e* the ape - )an, in*icatin+ the surroun*in+!arriors, !ith a no*. "/ ca)e in peace, to ta& to you as a brother.";*a&o c&eare* his throat nervous&y. "Since you !ere here an* !ent a!ay, there has been )uch


12/101

ta&. 2ur peop&e re)e)bere* the stories they ha* hear* about the avuru. /t is sai* that they are!hite )en !ho +o nae*, even as you. (e *o not no! anythin+ about you' you are a stran+er.Many o )y peop&e thin that you are a avuru, that you have co)e to spy upon us an* se&ectyoun+ +ir&s to stea& ro) us.""That is oo&ish ta&, ;*a&o," sai* Tar%an."My peop&e *o not thin it is oo&ish ta&," +ro!&e* the chie. "You have co)e to the raa& o ;*a&oonce too oten." $e rose s&o!&y to his eet. "You sha&& not stea& any )ore o our youn+ +ir&s." An*!ith that, he s&appe* his pa&)s sharp&y to+ether' an* instant&y the surroun*in+ !arriors &eape*upon the ape - )an.

Chapter @ "The 4ion /s Co)in+5"."/ CA0T stan* it any &on+er," sai* the princess. "/ )ean this cra)pe* position is i&&in+ )e, an* itis co&* in here' / a) near&y ro%en.""(hat ri+ht have you +ot to !hine" +ro!&e* A&e6is. "You +ot us into this, you an* your aviator."$e spat the &ast !or* out conte)ptuous&y."4isten, Prince," sai* Jane, "you an* the rest o us can than 3ro!n0s coo& hea* an* eiciency orthe act that !e are a&ive an* unin7ure*. /t is &itt&e short o a )irac&e that none o us is hurt. /0&&venture to say that there0s not one pi&ot in a thousan* !ho cou&* set this ship *o!n as he *i*.""/ be+ your par*on," sai* Tibbs, "i / )ay say so, it has stoppe* rainin+.""An* there0s the sun," crie* Annette, e6cite*&y. Main+ her !ay to the *oor, Jane opene* it an*

&ooe* *o!n. "(e are on&y ity eet ro) the +roun*," she sai*, "but !e )ay have a &itt&e *iicu&ty+ettin+ *o!n - that is, so)e o us )ay.""(hat in the !or&* are you *oin+, )y *ear" *e)an*e* the princess, as Jane co))ence* totae o her shoes an* stocin+s."/ a) +oin+ to have a &oo aroun*. / !ant to see i / can +et at the ba++a+e co)part)ent. (e are+oin+ to nee* so)e o the stu in there. /0) arai* !e are +oin+ to in* it )i+hty unco)ortab&e onthe +roun*' it )ay be co&* in here, but it !i&& be co&* an* !et both, *o!n there.""(e )i+ht )ae a ire, )a*a), i / )i+ht be so bo&* as to su++est it," oere* Tibbs."Everythin+ is rather !et an* so++y, but perhaps !e can )ana+e it. /t0s too ba* !e haven0t+aso&ine &et. That !ou&* he&p a &ot.""There0&& be so)e in the su)p in the botto) o the tan," sai* 3ro!n."3ut !hy are you tain+ o your shoes an* stocin+s" ase* the princess."/t0s the on&y sae !ay to c&i)b aroun* in trees, itty."

"3ut )y *ear, / )ean - ater a&&, you *on0t inten* to c&i)b aroun* in that tree""Precise&y, an* that is !hat you !i&& have to *o, too, i you ever !ant to +et *o!n ro) here.""2h, but )y *ear, / cou&*n0t. / positive&y cou&*n0t *o it.""(e0&& he&p you !hen the ti)e co)es, an* see that you *on0t a&&' an* !hi&e / a) &ooin+ aroun*,3ro!n, / !ish you an* Tibbs !ou&* re)ove a&& the saety be&ts an* asten the) to+ether into one&on+ strap. /t )ay be necessary to &o!er the princess to the +roun*, an* a strap !i&& co)e inhan*y in +ettin+ the &u++a+e *o!n sae&y.""You better &et )e +o out an* &oo aroun*, Miss," sai* 3ro!n' "you )i+ht a&&."Jane s)i&e*. "/ a) use* to it, 3ro!n," she sai*. "You0* probab&y be in ar )ore *an+er than /."

An* then she steppe* out onto the cru)p&e* !in+ an* &eape* &i+ht&y to a nearby branch."8reat scott, &oo out, Miss, you0&& a&&5" shoute* 3ro!n."3e careu&, )a*a)5 You0&& i&& yourse&." Tibbs a&)ost sho!e* e)otion."My *ear, / )ean, co)e bac," !ai&e* the princess.

Annette screa)e* an* covere* her eyes !ith her pa&)s."My *ear &a*y, co)e bac5 9or )y sae, co)e bac5" be++e* A&e6is.3ut Jane pai* no attention to the), as she too t!o short steps a&on+ the branch that brou+ht her!ithin reach o the ba++a+e co)part)ent. /t !as not &oce*, an* she #uic&y opene* the *oor."(h - e!5" she e6c&ai)e*. "(hat a )ess. There0s a broen branch ra))e* ri+ht up throu+h here./t0s a +oo* thin+ or us it *i*n0t co)e throu+h the cabin.""/s everythin+ ruine*" ase* A&e6is."2h, )y no, so)e o the thin+s )ust be *a)a+e*, but / i)a+ine !e can sa&va+e near&yeverythin+' an* one o the irst thin+s / !ant to sa&va+e is a pair o shorts. Sirts are ba* enou+hat any ti)e, but in a treetop they are a ca&a)ity. (hat &uc5 $ere is )y ba+ ri+ht in ront. / !on0t


13/101

be but a 7iy, an* ater /0ve chan+e* /0&& be ab&e to acco)p&ish so)ethin+."She opene* her ba+ an* se&ecte* t!o or three +ar)ents. Then she s!un+ &i+ht&y to a &o!erbranch an* *isappeare* ro) their vie! beneath the ship."Say5" e6c&ai)e* 3ro!n, a*)irin+&y. "She0s as )uch at ho)e in the trees as a )oney. / neversay anythin+ &ie it."

A&e6is c&a)bere* to a point ro) !hich he cou&* &oo out o the *oor. 3ro!n an* Tibbs !erere)ovin+ the saety be&ts an* astenin+ the) to+ether.

A&e6is &ooe* *o!n an* shu**ere*. "/t )ust be a hun*re* eet to the +roun*," he sai*. "/ *on0tsee ho! !e are ever +oin+ to )ae it' an* those branches are !et an* s&ippery.""Tae o your shoes an* stocin+s &ie she *i*," a*vise* 3ro!n."/0) no )oney.""o""/ / )i+ht venture to su++est it, sir, !e cou&* asten the strap aroun* you an* &o!er you.""/t !i&& ho&* a thousan* poun*s," sai* 3ro!n' "it0s teste* or that. /t0&& sure ho&* you, but you0*better &eave your tit&e behin*' that0s the heaviest part o you.""/0ve stoo* about enou+h o your i)pertinence, e&&o!," snappe* A&e6is. "Another !or* &ie thatro) you an* /0&& - /0&& - ""You0&& !hat" *e)an*e* 3ro!n. " - you an* !ho e&se""/ !ish you t!o !ou&* #uit #uarre&&in+," sai* the princess. "/ )ean, aren0t thin+s ba* enou+h asthey are !ithout that"

"My *ear, / *o not #uarre& !ith servants," sai* A&e6is, hau+hti&y."/n the irst p&ace," sai* 3ro!n, "/ ain0t no servant' an* in the secon* p&ace, you0* better not#uarre& i you no! !hat0s +oo* or you. There0s nothin+ /0* &ie better than an e6cuse to s)acyou on the bee%er.""/ you ever *are &ay han*s on )e, /0&& - ""(hat 9ire )e a+ain" e6c&ai)e* 3ro!n. "o! /0&& 7ust natura&&y have to paste you one to &earnyou your p&ace' then )aybe you0&& re)e)ber that you ain0t nothin+ but a !or), an* that i you ha*a tit&e a b&oc &on+ you0* sti&& be a !or).""Don0t you *are strie )e," crie* the prince, shrinin+ bac."(hat is the )eanin+ o a&& this" Jane steppe* &i+ht&y into the *oor!ay o the cabin. "/ thou+ht /to&* you t!o to stop #uarre&&in+. o! beore !e +o any urther, / !ant to te&& you so)ethin+. (e0restran*e* here, the 4or* on&y no!s !here' there )ay not be a !hite )an !ithin hun*re*s o)i&es' !e sha&& have to *epen* so&e&y upon our o!n resources. uarre&&in+ an* bicerin+ a)on+

ourse&ves !on0t +et us any!here' it !i&& 7ust )ae our p&i+ht a&& the !orse. 2ne o us has +ot totae char+e. /t shou&* be a )an, an* the on&y )an here havin+ any 7un+&e e6perience, insoar as /no!, or !ho is capab&e o co))an*in+, is 3ro!n. 3ut there0s too )uch riction bet!een hi) an*the prince' so 3ro!n is out o the #uestion.""/ !i&& tae u&& char+e," sai* A&e6is."The hec you !i&&5" e6c&ai)e* 3ro!n."My ran entit&es )e to the post," insiste* A&e6is, hau+ht - &y."You sai* it," 7ibe* 3ro!n. "You0re ran a&& ri+ht.""o, A&e6is, you0re out, too," sai* Jane. "(e0ve +ot to have so)eone !ho) a&& !i&& obey.""That 7ust &eaves Tibbs, then," sai* 3ro!n. "Tibbs !i&& suit )e a&& ri+ht.""2h, *ear )e, no," crie* Tibbs. "Rea&&y, i you0&& per)it )e, / cou&*n0t thin o assu)in+ so )uchauthority. / - / - !e&&, you no!, / haven0t been accusto)e* to it, )a*a)." $e turne* piteous&y toJane. "3ut you, )a*a), / a) sure that !e !ou&* a&& be e6traor*inari&y prou* to have you or our

&ea*er.""That is !hat / !as +oin+ to su++est," sai* Jane. "/ no! the 7un+&e better than any o you, an* /a) sure there isn0t anyone e&se !e cou&* a&& a+ree on.""3ut it0s our e6pe*ition," ob7ecte* A&e6is. "(e pai* or everythin+' !e o!n the ship an* a&& thesupp&ies' / a) the one !ho shou&* co))an*. /sn0t that ri+ht, )y *ear" $e turne* to his !ie."2h, rea&&y, )y *ear, / )ean. / *on0t no!. Since you sai* those horri* thin+s to )e, / a) crushe*.My !or&* has co&&apse* aroun* )y ears.""(e&&," sai* 3ro!n, "there0s no use che!in+ the at any )ore about that. 4a*y 8reystoe is bossro) no! on, an* i there0s anybo*y that *on0t &ie it, /0&& atten* to the)."The Princess Sborov !as s&u)pe* *e7ecte*&y on the &oor o the ship, her han*erchie presse*


14/101

to her eyes. "/t *oesn0t )ae any *ierence to )e," she sai*' "/ *on0t care !hat happens no!. /*on0t care i / *ie' / hope / *o." As she inishe*, she +&ance* up, presu)ab&y to note the eect oher !or*s upon her &isteners, an* or the irst ti)e since Jane ha* returne* to the ship she sa!her. "2h, )y *ear," she e6c&ai)e*, "!hat a cute outit. / )ean, it0s perect&y *ucy.""Thans," sai* Jane, "/0) +&a* you &ie it' it0s practica&, at &east." She !as !earin+ shorts, an* a&eather 7acet. $er &e+s an* eet !ere bare. A i+ure* re* scar, !rappe* once aroun* her hea*,conine* her hair an* serve* the purposes o a hat."3ut, )y *ear, !on0t you ree%e to *eath" *e)an*e* the princess."(e&&," &au+he* Jane, "/ !on0t e6act&y ree%e to *eath, but / sha&& probab&y be co&* &ots o ti)es -one +ets use* to bein+ either too hot or too co&* in the 7un+&e. o! / a) +oin+ *o!n to &ooaroun* or a suitab&e ca)pin+ p&ace, an* you0* a&& better pray that there0s one c&ose by. (hi&e /a) +one, 3ro!n, you an* Tibbs &o!er the &u++a+e to the +roun*. A&e6is, you +o be&o! an*receive it' there0s +ot to be so)eone there to unasten the strap each ti)e.""4et Annette *o it," +ro!&e* A&e6is. "(hat *o you suppose !e0ve +ot servants or""Each o us has +ot to *o his share, A&e6is," sai* Jane, #uiet&y, "an* there are certain thin+s, theheavier an* )ore *an+erous !or, that !i&& natura&&y a&& to the )en. There are no servants an*no )asters a)on+ us no!. The sooner !e a&& rea&i%e that, the better o an* the happier !e are+oin+ to be."

A&e6is approache* the *oor o the ship +in+er&y an* &ooe* *o!n. "4et 3ro!n +o *o!n," he sai*'"/0&& he&p Tibbs &o!er the ba++a+e to hi)." Then he +&ance* in the *irection o the ba++a+e

co)part)ent. "$o! cou&* anyone +et out there on that branch," he sai*, "an* *o anythin+ $e0*a&& an* brea his nec.""Ah, can the chatter an* +o on *o!n, as 4a*y 8reystoe to&* you to," sai* 3ro!n. "Say the !or*,Miss, an* /0&& toss hi) *o!n.""o you !on0t' you *on0t *are touch )e.""Then +et on over the e*+e an* start *o!n.""/ can0t' /0* a&&.""Put the strap aroun* hi), 3ro!n," sai* Jane, "an* you an* Tibbs &o!er hi) to the +roun*. /0)+oin+ a&on+ no!." An* !ith that, she 7u)pe* &i+ht&y to a nearby branch an* s!un+ *o!n throu+hthe &eay o&ia+e to!ar* the +roun* be&o!.She breathe* the o*ors o the stea)in+ 7un+&e !ith a een *e&i+ht. The restrictions o or*ere*society, the veneer o civi&i%ation, e&& a!ay, &eavin+ her ree' an* she sense* this ne! ree*o)!ith a 7oy that she ha* not e&t since she ha* &et the 7un+&e to return to 4on*on.

Everythin+ about her re)in*e* her o Tar%an. She &ooe* about her, &istenin+ intent&y. /t see)e*inevitab&e that at the ne6t )o)ent she !ou&* see a bron%e* +iant s!in+ *o!n throu+h the o&ia+eto c&asp her in his ar)s' an* then, !ith a si+h an* a rueu& s)i&e, she shoo her hea*, no!in+u&& !e&& that Tar%an !as probab&y hun*re*s o )i&es a!ay, i+norant both o her !hereabouts an*her p&i+ht. /t !as possib&e that he )i+ht not even yet have receive* her cab&e, te&&in+ hi) that she!as &yin+ to airobi. (hen he *i* receive it an* she *i* not co)e, ho! !ou&* he no! !here tosearch or her They ha* &o!n b&in* or so &on+ that even 3ro!n ha* no i*ea ho! ar o theircourse they ha* been, nor even the appro6i)ate &ocation o their &an*in+ p&ace. /t see)e* #uitehope&ess that they shou&* e6pect outsi*e he&p. Their on&y hope &ay !ithin the)se&ves.(hatever their situation, she an* 3ro!n she e&t )i+ht reasonab&y e6pect to pu&& throu+h' that is,i they ha* been a&one. 3ut ho! about the others Tibbs, she thou+ht, )i+ht have possibi&ities oresourceu&ness an* en*urance. She ha* her *oubts about A&e6is. Men o his sta)p !ereotenti)es a&)ost as he&p&ess as !o)en. Annette !as youn+ an* stron+, but te)pera)enta&&y

unitte* or the +ri) rea&ities o the 7un+&e a+ainst !hich they !ou&* have to pit the)se&ves. $ereiciency an* even her stren+th !ou&* be &essene* by the constant terror in !hich she !ou&*e6ist. As or itty, Jane )enta&&y thre! up her han*s - hope&ess, abso&ute&y hope&ess, in the aceo any har*ship, e)er+ency, or *an+er. Yes, she e&t that she an* 3ro!n cou&* pu&& throu+h' butcou&* they pu&& the others throu+h /t !ent !ithout sayin+ that they !ou&* not *esert the).$er )in* partia&&y occupie* !ith these thou+hts, she )ove* throu+h the &o!er terrace o the

7un+&e, or so thic&y !as the +roun* over+ro!n !ith un*erbrush that she ha* ept to the &o!erbranches o the trees to )ae her pro+ress easier.She *i* not +o ar in one *irection, because she rea&i%e* the *iicu&ty o transportin+ theirsupp&ies or any +reat *istance throu+h the heavy un*er+ro!th.


15/101

Circ&in+, she sou+ht or an open space, ho!ever s)a&&, in !hich they )i+ht bui&* a te)poraryca)p' but the 7un+&e appeare* to beco)e !i&*er an* &ess penetrab&e.She ha* co)p&ete* ha& the circ&e, an* !as on the si*e o the ship opposite that ro) !hich sheha* *escen*e*, !hen she ca)e une6pecte*&y upon a +a)e trai&./))e*iate&y her spirits rose, or no! they !ere assure* o co)parative&y easy +oin+ an* thecertainty, a&)ost, that eventua&&y they !ou&* in* natives.3eore returnin+ to the ship, she o&&o!e* the trai& a short *istance, !hen su**en&y she ca)eupon a s)a&& strea) an*, besi*e it, an openin+ in the un*erbrush, perhaps an acre in e6tent.E&ate*, she turne* bac to!ar* the ship, o&&o!in+ the trai& to ascertain ho! c&ose it ran to thepoint ro) !hich the ba++a+e )ust be transporte*.

As she turne*, she hear* a s&i+ht rust&in+ in the un*er+ro!th behin* her, a soun* !hich hertraine* ears *etecte* #uic&y an* a&)ost i*entiie*. Yet she !as not sure.everthe&ess, she increase* her +ait, tain+ #uic +&ances ahea* an* up!ar* that she )i+hta&!ays have an avenue o escape &ocate* in the event o su**en necessity.The soun* continue*, a &itt&e behin* her an* para&&e&in+ the trai& a&on+ !hich she )ove*.She cou&* hear 3ro!n an* A&e6is #uarre&&in+ !ith one another an* bicerin+ over the han*&in+ othe ba++a+e. A&e6is !as on the +roun*, an* he see)e* very c&ose. 2 course, she )i+ht be)istaen. The thin+ that she hear* )i+ht not be !hat she eare* it !as' but perhaps it !ou&* beas !e&& to !arn A&e6is beore it !as too &ate, an* so she ca&&e* to hi)."(hat is it" he *e)an*e*, su&&en&y.

"You ha* better c&i)b a tree, A&e6is. / thin a &ion is o&&o!in+ )e. $e is very c&ose.""/ can0t c&i)b a tree," shoute* A&e6is. "/ can0t )ove throu+h this un*er+ro!th. $e&p5 3ro!n, he&p5Do so)ethin+, so)ebo*y5""4o!er the strap to hi) an* pu&& hi) up," shoute* Jane. "/t )ay not be a &ion' an* he )ay notbother us i it is, but !e0* better be on the sae si*e.""$urry up !ith that strap, you oo&," shriee* A&e6is."There ain0t no hurry," 3ro!n rep&ie*, tanta&i%in+&y' "at &east, / ain0t in no hurry.""/ you &et that &ion +et )e, it0&& be )ur*er.""2h, / +uess he can stan* it," rep&ie* 3ro!n."$urry up an* &o!er that strap, you )ur*erer.""Ain0t / &o!erin+ it, as ast as / can""2h, / can hear hi) no!' he0s ri+ht on top o )e' he0&& +et )e.""That is )e you hear, A&e6is," sai* Jane, reassurin+&y.

"(e&&, !hat i he *oes +et you" *e)an*e* 3ro!n. "Ain0t a &ion +ot to eat /n Ca&iornia they ee*the) ani)a&s that ain0t no +oo*' so !hat are you crabbin+ about""$urry no!, 3ro!n," crie* Jane. "The &ion is co)in+, an* he0s co)in+ ast."

Chapter B The 3a&&ot o Death.AS T$E 3uena !arriors c&ose* in upon hi), Tar%an stoo* !ith o&*e* ar)s, i+norin+ the). $e!as surroun*e* by )any spears' an* he ne! that at this instant, i he sou+ht to escape or +ivebatt&e, a *o%en spearpoints !ou&* transi6 hi) instant&y.$is one hope &ay in +ainin+ tune, an* he e&t that he cou&* acco)p&ish this best by ei+nin+in*ierence."i&& the avuru5" shoute* a !o)an in rear o the !arriors. "They sto&e )y *au+hter.""An* )ine," screa)e* another."i&& hi)5 i&& hi)5" ur+e* others o the sava+e thron+.

A very o&* )an, !ho ha* been s#uattin+ besi*e ;*a&o, &eape* to his eet. "o5 o5" he screa)e*."Do not i&& hi). / he be a avuru, his peop&e !i&& co)e an* punish us. They !i&& i&& )any o usan* tae a&& o our +ir&s."/nstant&y the b&acs co))ence* ar+uin+ a)on+ the)se&ves. So)e insiste* upon i&&in+ hi),others !ante* to tae hi) prisoner, !hi&e others thou+ht that he shou&* be re&ease* to )o&&iy theavuru.

As they 7abbere*, the spear)en in the ront ran re&a6e* their vi+i&ance. So)e o the) turne*aroun* an* sou+ht to e6poun* their vie!s to those behin* the), an* in this circu)stance Tar%anthou+ht he sa! his chance to escape. (ith the spee* o Ara, the &i+htnin+, an* the stren+th o8or+o, the bua&o, he &eape* upon a nearby !arrior an* ho&*in+ hi) as a shie&* in ront o hi),


16/101

char+e* throu+h the hu)an rin+ that surroun*e* hi), turnin+ constant&y so that no !eapon cou&*be *irecte* a+ainst hi) !ithout en*an+erin+ the &ie o the b&ac.So #uic&y ha* he acte* that the b&acs !ere taen entire&y o their +uar*' an* he ha* !ona&)ost to the c&ear, !here he )i+ht have )a*e a #uic run or the vi&&a+e +ate, !hen so)ethin+struc hi) heavi&y on the bac o the hea*.(hen he re+aine* consciousness, he oun* hi)se& in the *ar interior o an evi& - s)e&&in+ hut,his !rists an* an&es secure&y boun*.(ith the return o consciousness ca)e reco&&ection o !hat ha* transpire*' an* the ape - )ancou&* not restrain a s&o! s)i&e, or it !as evi*ent to hi) that the action that ha* been arai* to i&&hi) !as )ore po!eru& than that !hich !ou&* have taen his &ie. 2nce a+ain &uc !as !ith hi).9or the ti)e bein+, thereore, he !as sae' an* so he !as certain o escape' or he !as soconstitute* that !hi&e &ie re)aine* in hi), he cou&* not conceive a per)anent captivity' nor cou&*anythin+ or &on+ shae his coni*ence in his abi&ity to e6tricate hi)se& ro) any pre*ica)ent that)i+ht overtae hi)' or !as he not Tar%an o the Apes, 4or* o the Jun+&ePresent&y he co))ence* to test the bon*s that secure* his !rists an* an&es. They !ere verystron+ an* there !ere a +reat )any stran*s, an* soon he sa! that it !ou&* be hope&ess toatte)pt to &iberate hi)se&. There !as nothin+ to *o, thereore, but !ait.;n&ie an or*inary )an, he *i* not !aste ti)e !on*erin+ !hat his ate !ou&* be. /nstea*, heco)pose* hi)se& as co)ortab&y as he cou&* an* e&& as&eep.

An* !hi&e he s&ept, a counci& o !arriors p&otte* in the counci& house !ith ;*a&o, the chie. /t !as

they !ho !ere !on*erin+ !hat Tar%an0s ate shou&* be.The o&* )an !ho ha* irst !arne* the) a+ainst i&&in+ their prisoner !as sti&& his staunchest*een*er. $e !as 8u - pin+u, the !itch - *octor. $e prophesie* that *ire ca&a)ity !ou&* bea&&the) i they har)e* this )an !ho, he assure* the), !as a avuru. 3ut there !ere others !hospoe #uite as insistent&y or *eath."/ he is a avuru," sai* one o these, "his peop&e !i&& co)e an* punish us as soon as they in*that !e have attace* hi) an* )a*e hi) prisoner. / !e i&& hi), he cannot +o bac to the) an*te&& the)' an* the chances are that they !i&& never no! !hat beca)e o hi).""Those are true !or*s," sai* another' "a *ea* avuru is better than a &ive one."Then ;*a&o spoe. "/t is not or one )an to *eci*e," he sai*. "The ta& o )any )en is better thanthe ta& o one."2n the +roun* besi*e hi) !ere t!o bo!&s. 2ne containe* erne&s o corn an* the other s)a&&,roun* pebb&es. $e passe* one o these bo!&s to the !arrior upon his ri+ht an* one to hi) upon

his &et. "4et each !arrior tae a erne& o corn an* a pebb&e - 7ust one o each, not )ore," hesai*.They passe* the bo!&s ro) han* to han* about the circ&e' an* each !arrior too a erne& o cornan* a pebb&e' an* !hen the bo!&s !ere returne* to ;*a&o, he set the) *o!n besi*e hi) an*pice* up a +our* !ith a s)a&& nec."(e !i&& pass this +our* aroun* the circ&e," he sai*, "an* each )an sha&& spea either !ith aerne& o corn or !ith a pebb&e or the &ie or the *eath o the stran+er. / you !ish hi) to &ive, put aerne& o corn in the +our*' i you !ish hi) to *ie, put a pebb&e."/n si&ence, the +our* !as passe* aroun* the +ri) circ&e as sava+e eyes o&&o!e* it ro) thetense, painte* aces o the !arriors.The *roppin+ o the ateu& ba&&ots into the ho&&o! +our* soun*e* *istinct&y in every part o the&ar+e counci& - house. At &ast the +our* co)p&ete* the circ&e an* ca)e bac to ;*a&o.There !ere u&&y a hun*re* !arriors in the circ&e' an* ;*a&o cou&* not count to a hun*re*, but he

ha* an e#ua&&y certain !ay o *eter)inin+ the outco)e o the votin+ even thou+h he !as unab&eto *eter)ine ho! )any votes !ere cast upon each si*e.$e e)ptie* the contents o the +our* upon the +roun* in ront o hi). Then !ith one han*, hepice* up a +rain o corn an*, si)u&taneous&y, !ith the other, a pebb&e, an* p&ace* each in itsrespective bo!&' an* this he continue* to *o as &on+ as there !ere erne&s o corn an* pebb&es to)atch one another. 3ut this !as not or &on+, or he soon ran out o corn' an* even then there!ere seventy - ive or ei+hty pebb&es &et, sho!in+ that on&y a e! ha* vote* to spare the &ie othe ape - )an.;*a&o &ooe* up an* aroun* the tab&e. "The stran+er *ies," he sai*. A sava+e, sinister shout rosero) the asse)b&e* !arriors.


17/101

"4et us +o an* i&& hi) no!," sai* one, "beore the a - vuru can co)e an* in* hi) a)on+ us.""o," sai* ;*a&o, "to)orro! ni+ht he *ies. Thus !i&& the !o)en have ti)e to prepare a east.To)orro! ni+ht !e sha&& eat an* *rin an* *ance, !hi&e !e torture the avuru. 4et hi) suer ashe has )a*e us suer !hen he sto&e our chi&*ren."

A roar o approva& an* satisaction +reete* this su++estion.The counci& !as over. The !arriors ha* returne* to their huts. 9ires !ere bane*. Si&ence ha*a&&en upon the vi&&a+e o the 3uena. Even the usua&&y yappin+ curs !ere si&ent. The raa& !as!rappe* in s&u)ber.9ro) a hut near the chies, a i+ure crept si&ent&y into the ni+ht. /t pause* in the sha*o! o the hutro) !hich it ha* e)er+e* an* &ooe* earu&&y about.othin+ stirre*, an* si&ent&y as a +host&y sha*o! the i+ure crept a&on+ the vi&&a+e streets.Tar%an ha* been a!aene* by the sava+e cries ro) the counci& - house' an* he ha* &ains&eep&ess or so)e ti)e because o the *isco)ort o his bon*s, but present&y he *o%e* a+ain.$e !as not yet u&&y as&eep !hen so)ethin+ a!aene* hi) - a soun* that you or /, !ith our *u&&ears, )i+ht not have hear* - the soun* o nae* eet creepin+ s&o!&y an* stea&thi&y to!ar* the hut!here he &ay.Tar%an ro&&e* over so that he cou&* see the entrance to the but, an* present&y it !as i&&e* by asha*o!y or). So)eone !as enterin+. (as it the e6ecutioner co)in+ to *estroy hi)

Chapter The Merry Co)pany.

T$E 4/2 broe throu+h the un*erbrush into the trai& a short *istance behin* Jane. /t !as thenthat she ca&&e* her !arnin+ to A&e6is.

At si+ht o Jane, the &ion bare* his an+s an* +ro!&e*. Then he ca)e to!ar* her at a trot, an* ashe *i* so the +ir& &eape* or an overhan+in+ branch. As she cau+ht it, the &ion char+e*. $e &eape*or her, an* his rain+ ta&ons bare&y )isse* her bare oot as she *re! herse& sae&y out o hisreach. (ith a hi*eous +ro!&, he turne* an* &eape* a+ain.The prince !as on&y a short *istance a!ay, but he !as hi**en by the *ense un*erbrush beneaththe ship. The an+ry +ro!& soun*e* very c&ose' the )an !as para&y%e* !ith terror.9ro) her position on the branch o the tree, Jane cou&* see hi). "You0* better +et out o there,

A&e6is," she sai*, "but *on0t )ae any noise. / he hears you, he0&& co)e or you' he0s terrib&y soreabout so)ethin+ - )ust have )isse* his i&& &ast ni+ht."

A&e6is trie* to spea, but no soun* ca)e ro) his throat. $e 7ust stoo* there tre)b&in+, an ashenpa&&or on his ace.

Jane cou&* not see 3ro!n, but she ne! that he !as *irect&y above A&e6is. "3ro!n," she ca&&e*,"*rop the en* o the strap to the prince. 9asten it aroun* your bo*y un*erneath your ar)s, A&e6is'an* 3ro!n an* Tibbs !i&& pu&& you up. /0&& try an* eep u)a0s attention rivete* on )e."The &ion !as pacin+ bac an* orth beneath the tree, +&arin+ hun+ri&y up at the +ir&.Jane broe o a s)a&&, *ea* branch an* thre! it at the beast. /t struc hi) in the ace' an*, !ith aroar, he &eape* a+ain or the branch on !hich Jane stoo*./n the )eanti)e, 3ro!n &o!ere* the en* o the strap #uic&y to A&e6is. "$urry up' asten it aroun*you," he sai*. "9or Pete0s sae, !hat0s the )atter !ith you 8et a )ove on."3ut A&e6is 7ust stoo* there tre)b&in+, his teeth chatterin+, an* his nees nocin+ to+ether."A&e6is, snap out o it," crie* Jane. "You0ve +ot to +et that be&t astene* aroun* you beore the &ion*iscovers you. Don0t you un*erstan* /t0s a )atter o &ie an* *eath !ith you.""You poor sap," ye&&e* 3ro!n. "8et a )ove on."(ith tre)b&in+ han*s, A&e6is reache* or the be&t, an* at the sa)e ti)e he see)e* to in* his

voice an* co))ence* to screa) &usti&y or he&p."eep sti&&," !arne* Jane. "The &ion hears you' he is &ooin+ in your *irection no!.""$urry up, you *u)b c&uc," shoute* 3ro!n.The &ion !as tearin+ throu+h the un*erbrush, searchin+ or the author o these ne! soun*s. Janethre! another branch at hi), but it *i* not *istract his attention. $e on&y +ro!&e* an* starte*cautious&y into the brush.(ith u)b&in+ in+ers, A&e6is !as tyin+ the be&t about his bo*y."$oist a!ay, 3ro!n," crie* Jane' "the &ion is co)in+5"3ro!n an* Tibbs pu&&e* a!ay &usti&y, an* A&e6is rose out o the un*erbrush.The &ion ca)e stea*i&y on. At &ast he !as *irect&y beneath the terriie* )an. A&e6is, &ooin+ *o!n


18/101

strai+ht into the crue& eyes o the carnivore, voice* a screa) o horror.S&o!&y, a e! inches at a ti)e, 3ro!n an* Tibbs !ere raisin+ A&e6is out o har)0s !ay' but sti&& he!as peri&ous&y c&ose to the +reat beast. Then the &ion rare* up to its u&& hei+ht an* struc at hi).

A rain+ ta&on touche* the hee& o the )an0s shoe' an*, !ith a ina& screa), A&e6is ainte*.3ro!n an* Tibbs re*oub&e* their eorts. The &ion *roppe* bac to the +roun*, +athere* hi)se&an* spran+. A+ain he )isse*, but on&y by inches' an* beore he cou&* sprin+ a+ain, A&e6is !assae&y out o his reach.The t!o )en hoiste* the &i)p bo*y o Sborov to the ship, an* !ith consi*erab&e *iicu&ty *ra++e*hi) into the cabin.

At si+ht o hi), the princess co))ence* to screa). "$e0s *ea*5 he0s *ea*5 2h, )y *ar&in+, an*your itty !as so cross to her A&&ie.""9or Pete0s sae, shut up," snappe* 3ro!n. "My nerves are about shot, an* any!ay the sap isn0t*ea*' he0s 7ust scare* sti.""3ro!n, ho! *are you spea to )e &ie that5" crie* the princess. "2h, it0s terrib&e' nobo*y no!s!hat /0) suerin+. / )ean, no one un*erstan*s )e' everyone is a+ainst )e.""4or*," crie* 3ro!n, "a &itt&e )ore o this an* !e0&& a&& be nuts.""E6cuse )e, )a*a), but he see)s to be co)in+ to," sai* Tibbs' "/ thin he0&& be a&& ri+ht in a)inute, )a).""Do so)ethin+, Annette," crie* the princess. "(hat are you sittin+ there or - 7ust &ie a bu)p on a&o+ / )ean, !here are the s)e&&in+ sa&ts 8et so)e !ater. 2h, isn0t it terrib&e 2h, *ar&in+, A&&ie,

spea to your itty."A&e6is opene* his eyes an* &ooe* about hi). Then he c&ose* the) an* shu**ere*. "/ thou+ht heha* )e," he sai*, in a tre)b&in+ !hisper."o such &uc," sai* 3ro!n."/t !as a very c&ose ca&&, sir, i / )ay )ae so bo&* as to say so, sir," sai* Tibbs.Jane steppe* into the cabin *oor!ay. "A&& ri+ht" she ase*. "9ro) the noise you !ere )ain+,itty, / thou+ht so)ethin+ *rea*u& ha* happene*.""The 4or* on&y no!s !hat !ou&* happen i so)ethin+ rea&&y shou&* happen," sai* 3ro!n,*is+uste*&y. "/0) +ettin+ e* up on a&& this screa)in+ an* be&&yachin+. / never ha* no roya&ty in )yhair beore, but / sure +ot 0e) no!."Jane shoo her hea*. "3e patient, 3ro!n," she sai*. "Re)e)ber this is a&& ne! to the), an*natura&&y any!ay their nerves are on e*+e ater a&& that !e have passe* throu+h.""(e&&, ain0t the rest o us +ot nerves, Miss Ain0t !e +ot a ri+ht to be upset, too 3ut you *on0t

hear none o us ba!&in+ aroun* &ie the). / suppose bein+ roya& +ives 0e) the ri+ht to benuisances.""ever )in*, no!," sai* Jane' "you0re +ettin+ as ba* as the others, 3ro!n. The thin+ that / a)intereste* in 7ust no! is !hat !e are +oin+ to *o about that &ion. $e )ay han+ aroun* here orhours' an* as &on+ as he *oes, !e0re 7ust b&oce*. $e0s in a nasty )oo*, an* it !on0t be sae to+o *o!n there unti& !e no! that he has c&eare* out. The best thin+ or us to *o is to i&& hi), ashe )ay han+ aroun* this nei+hborhoo* !aitin+ or a chance to +et so)e o us. $e0s an o&* e&&o!'an* because o that, he )ay be a )an - eater. They +et that !ay !hen they are too o&* to ba+their re+u&ar prey.""A )an - eater5" The Princess Sborov shu**ere*. "$o! horrib&e. / )ean, ho! terrib&y horrib&e.""/ thin !e can +et ri* o hi)," sai* Jane. "You brou+ht ri&es, o course, A&e6is""2h, yes, in*ee*, t!o o the) - hi+h - po!ere* ri&es - they0* stop an e&ephant.""8oo*," sai* Jane, "!here are they"

"They0re in the ba++a+e co)part)ent, Miss' /0&& +et the)," sai* 3ro!n."An* brin+ so)e a))unition, too," sai* Jane."(ho0s +oin+ *o!n there to shoot the horri* thin+" *e)an*e* the princess."/, o course," sai* Jane."3ut, )y *ear," crie* the princess, "/ )ean, you 7ust cou&*n0t."3ro!n returne* !ith a ri&e. "/ cou&*n0t in* no a))unition, Miss," he sai*. "(here is it pace*,Sborov""Eh, !hat" *e)an*e* the prince."The a))unition," snappe* 3ro!n."2h, a))unition"


19/101

"Yes, a))unition, you - "The prince c&eare* his throat. "(e&&, you see, / - ah - ""You )ean you *i*n0t brin+ any a))unition" *e)an*e* 3ro!n. "(e&&, o a&& the - ""ever )in*," sai* Jane. "/ there0s no a))unition, there0s no a))unition, an* +rousin+ about itisn0t +oin+ to +et us any.""/ / )ay be per)itte*, / thin / can be o assistance, Mi&a*y," sai* Tibbs, not !ithout so)e sho!o pri*e."$o! is that, Tibbs" ase* Jane."/ have a irear) in )y ba+, Mi&a*y. / !i&& i&& the beast.""That0s ine, Tibbs," sai* Jane' "p&ease +o an* +et it."

As Tibbs !as )ovin+ to!ar* the *oor!ay, he su**en&y stoppe*. A &ush s&o!&y )ant&e* his ace'he appeare* )ost unco)ortab&e."(hat0s the )atter, Tibbs" ase* Jane."/ - / ha* or+otten, Mi&a*y," he sta))ere*, "but )y ba+ has a&rea*y been &o!ere* *o!n there!ith the b&oo)in0 &ion."Jane cou&* not repress a &au+h. "This is beco)in+ a co)e*y o errors," she crie*, " - ri&es !ithouta))unition, an* our on&y irear) in possession o the ene)y.""2h, )y *ear, !hat are !e +oin+ to *o" *e)an*e* the princess."There0s nothin+ to *o unti& that brute +oes a!ay. /t0s a&)ost too &ate no! any!ay to try to )aeca)p' !e0&& si)p&y have to )ae the best o it up here or the ni+ht."

An* so it !as that a )ost unhappy an* unco)ortab&e party shivere* an* +ru)b&e* throu+h the&on+, *ar ni+ht - a ni+ht )a*e hi*eous by the roars o huntin+ &ions an* the shri&& screa)s ostricen beasts. 3ut at &ast *ay broe !ith that uncanny su**enness that is a pheno)enon oe#uatoria& re+ions.The )o)ent that it !as &i+ht enou+h Jane !as out recon - noiterin+. The &ion !as +one' an* asurvey o the surroun*in+ country in the i))e*iate vicinity o the ship, ro) the &o!er branches othe trees, revea&e* no si+n o hi) or any other *an+er."/ thin !e can +o *o!n no! an* start )ain+ ca)p," she sai*, ater she ha* returne* to theship. "/s )ost o the ba++a+e *o!n, 3ro!n""A&& but a e! pieces, Miss," he rep&ie*."(e&&, +et it *o!n as rapi*&y as possib&e' an* then !e0&& cut an openin+ to the trai&' it is on&y a e!yar*s.""A&& ri+ht, Miss," sai* 3ro!n. "Co)e on, your )a7esty, !e0&& &o!er you *o!n to unhoo the stu at

the other en*.""You !on0t &o!er )e *o!n," sai* A&e6is. "/ !ou&*n0t +o *o!n there a&one a+ain or a&& the ba++a+ein the !or&*."3ro!n &ooe* at the )an !ith *is+ust that he )a*e no eort to concea&. "A&& ri+ht," he sai*, "youstay up here an* he&p Tibbs' /0&& +o *o!n an* unasten the stu !hen you &o!er it to )e.""/ you thin /0) +oin+ to ba&ance out there on that &i)b an* un&oa* the ba++a+e co)part)ent,you0re )istaen," sai* the prince. "/t0s abso&ute&y out o the #uestion' / +et very *i%%y in hi+hp&aces, an* / shou&* )ost certain&y a&&.""(e&&, !hat are you +oin+ to *o" *e)an*e* 3ro!n' "sit aroun* here !hi&e the rest o us !ait onyou""That0s !hat you servants !ere hire* or," sai* A&e6is."2h, yeah (e&&-""/0&& +o *o!n be&o!," sai* Jane. "3ro!n, you an* Tibbs &o!er the stu to )e. o! &et0s +et busy,"

an* !ith that she turne* an* *roppe* *o!n throu+h the trees to the +roun* be&o!.(ith a +runt o *is+ust, 3ro!n c&i)be* out on the &i)b that &e* to the ba++a+e co)part)ent,o&&o!e* by Tibbs' an* the t!o soon &o!ere* a!ay the re)ain*er o the &u++a+e."o! &o!er your passen+ers," ca&&e* Jane, ater 3ro!n ha* to&* her that there !as no )oreba++a+e. "A&e6is, you co)e irst.""Co)e on, your )a7esty," sai* 3ro!n' "you0re +oin+ irst.""/ to&* you that / !ou&*n0t +o *o!n there a&one," sai* the prince. "4o!er the others.""A&& ri+ht, your )a7esty, but i you *on0t +o no!, you0&& either c&i)b *o!n yourse& or stay here ti&&$e&& ree%es over, or a&& / care. Co)e ahea*, Annette' / +uess you0re the one to +o irst, an* then!e0&& &o!er the o&* &a*y."


20/101

"3ro!n, ho! *are you reer to )e so *isrespectu&&y" /t !as the voice o the Princess Sborovco)in+ ro) the interior o the cabin."There0s nothin+ !ron+ !ith her ears," sai* 3ro!n, !ith a +rin."/0) terrib&y arai*, Mr. 3ro!n," sai* Annette."You nee*n0t be, &itt&e one," he rep&ie*' "!e0&& see that nothin+ happens to you. Co)e on, sit *o!nin the *oor!ay an* /0&& put this be&t aroun* you.""You !on0t *rop )e""ot a chance, )y *ear. / )i+ht *rop roya&ty, but not you."She &ashe* hi) a #uic s)i&e. "You are so very nice, Mr. 3ro!n," she sai*."You 7ust in*in+ that out (e&&, co)e on, sister' c&i)b out on this branch here. /0&& he&p you.Stea*y - no! sit *o!n. Rea*y, Tibbs""Rea*y, sir," rep&ie* Tibbs."A&& ri+ht. o! *o!n you +o."

Annette c&utche* her rosary, c&ose* her eyes, an* starte* prayin+, but beore she rea&i%e* it sheha* touche* the +roun* an* Jane !as he&pin+ to re)ove the be&t ro) about her."o!, princess," ca&&e* 3ro!n."2h, / can0t )ove," crie* the princess. "/0) para&y%e*. / )ean, / rea&&y a)."3ro!n turne* to Sborov. "8o in there, )ister, an* or your o&* &a*y out," he snappe*. "(e ain0t+ot no ti)e to oo& aroun*. Te&& her i she *on0t co)e pronto, !e0&& &eave you both up here.""You unspeaab&e ruian," sputtere* the prince.

"Shut up, an* +o on an* *o !hat / te&& you to," +ro!&e* the pi&ot.Sborov turne* bac to his !ie an* he&pe* her to the *oor o the cabin, but one +&ance *o!n !asenou+h or her. She screa)e* an* shran bac."$urry up, hurry up, hurry up," sai* 3ro!n."/ can0t. / )ean, / 7ust can0t, 3ro!n."3ro!n )a*e his !ay to the cabin. $e carrie* the en* o a &on+ strap !ith hi). "Co)e on," hesai*, "&et )e +et this aroun* you.""3ut / can0t *o it, / te&& you. / )ean, / sha&& *ie o ri+ht.""You !on0t *ie o nothin+' ha&-!itte* peop&e &ive orever.""That !i&& be enou+h out o you, 3ro!n. / have en*ure* a&& o your insu&ts that / a) +oin+ to." Theprincess bri*&e* an* atte)pte* to &oo very *i+niie*, in !hich, in her *isheve&&e* con*ition, sheai&e* )iserab&y.3ro!n ha* stoope* an* astene* the be&t about her.

"Rea*y, Tibbs" he ase*."Yes, sir. A&& rea*y, sir," rep&ie* the va&et."Co)e on then, princess. $ere, you, +ive )e a &it. Shove on her ro) behin*."3ro!n pu&&e* ro) in ront, an* A&e6is pushe

Documents

Edgar Rice Burroughs - Tarzan 19 - Tarzan's Quest