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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 75817 ***
+
+
+
+
+
+                           _The Illustrated_
+                           TARZAN BOOK No.1
+                      _Picturized from the novel_
+
+                          TARZAN OF THE APES
+
+                        By Edgar Rice Burroughs
+
+                             300 PICTURES
+
+                           COPYRIGHT 1929 BY
+                      EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS, INC.
+
+                _Made in the United States of America_
+
+
+
+
+THE CREATOR OF TARZAN
+
+
+Is there living in the world to-day any writer whose creations are more
+widely read and followed than those of Edgar Rice Burroughs?
+
+This--TARZAN OF THE APES--is the first of Mr. Burroughs' famous novels
+to be published in picturized or strip form.
+
+Other TARZAN novels include "The Return of Tarzan," "The Beasts of
+Tarzan," "The Son of Tarzan," "Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar," "Jungle
+Tales of Tarzan," "Tarzan the Untamed," "Tarzan the Terrible," "Tarzan
+and the Golden Lion," "Tarzan and the Ant Men," "Tarzan, Lord of the
+Jungle."
+
+More than seven million TARZAN novels have been sold in the United
+States and Great Britain. They have been published in Braille for the
+blind, and in 16 different foreign languages--Arabic, Czecho-Slovakian,
+Danish, Dutch, Hungarian, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Polish,
+Icelandic, Roumanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish and Urdu (Hindustani).
+
+In motion pictures, on the stage, as magazine and newspaper serials
+and as newspaper strips the TARZAN stories have demonstrated the eager
+interest of persons of all ages in the adventures of the young English
+lord who was brought up by the apes.
+
+The author of these fascinating tales has himself had an adventurous
+career. Born in Chicago in 1875 and educated at Phillips Academy,
+Andover, and Michigan Military Academy, Mr. Burroughs served for a
+time with the Seventh United States Cavalry at Fort Grant, Arizona;
+he became a cowboy and storekeeper in Idaho, a policeman in Salt Lake
+City, and he went to Oregon as a gold miner. Returning to more humdrum
+pursuits in the business world, he found an outlet for his adventurous
+nature in writing "Tarzan of the Apes."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Illustration]
+
+In 1888 young Lord Greystoke and his bride of three months sailed from
+Dover on their way to Africa. He had been commissioned to investigate
+alleged atrocities on black subjects in a British West Coast African
+colony. Lord Greystoke never made the investigation; in fact, he never
+reached his destination.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Arrived at Freetown, they chartered the Fuwalda, which was to bear
+them to their final destination. And here, Lord and Lady Greystoke
+mysteriously vanished forever from the eyes and from the knowledge of
+man. Two months later, six British war vessels were scouring the South
+Atlantic for trace of them.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Beyond sight of land, the Fuwalda's captain, with a terrific blow,
+felled an old sailor who had accidentally tripped him. The swarthy
+bully's brutality caused big Black Michael to crush the captain to his
+knees. This was mutiny. The enraged captain suddenly whipped a revolver
+from his pocket and fired.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Lord Greystoke struck down the captain's arm, saving Black Michael's
+life, and thus forged the first link of what was destined to form a
+chain of amazing circumstances ending in a life _for one then unborn_
+such as has probably never been paralleled in the history of man.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+With suspicion of organized mutiny confirmed, they hurried to their
+quarters. Even their beds had been torn to pieces. A thorough search
+revealed the fact that only Lord Greystoke's revolvers and ammunition
+were gone. An undefinable something presaged bloody disaster!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Lord Greystoke, unfolding the scrap of paper that had been pushed
+in under the cabin door, found it was a message printed in uncouth
+letters, warning him to refrain from reporting the theft of his
+revolvers, on pain of death. Lady Greystoke paled, wondering what her
+fate might be.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The sight that met Lord Greystoke's eyes, as he emerged on deck the
+next morning, confirmed his worst fears. A shot rang out, and then
+another and another. Facing the little knot of five officers was the
+entire motley crew of the Fuwalda, and at their head stood Black
+Michael.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Enraged, the blood-thirsty ruffians charged the officers representing
+the hated authority of the ship. Most of them were armed with
+boathooks, axes, and crowbars. The officers retreated before the
+infuriated rush of their men. An axe cleft the captain from forehead to
+chin.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Both sides were cursing and swearing in a frightful manner, which,
+together with the reports of the firearms and the screams and groans
+of the wounded, turned the deck of the Fuwalda to the likeness of a
+madhouse. Short and grisly had been the work of the mutineers.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Though outwardly calm, Lord Greystoke was inwardly apprehensive, for
+he feared for the safety of his wife, and the little unborn Greystoke,
+at the hands of the ignorant half-brutes. "Here's two more for the
+fishes," snarled one of the crew, as he rushed toward them with
+uplifted axe.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Black Michael was even quicker than the brute who had attacked Lord and
+Lady Greystoke with an axe, and the sailor went down with a bullet in
+his back. "I'm captain of this ship now, an' what I says goes," said
+the mutineers' leader, looking threateningly on his fellows. "These
+here are my friends. Don't touch 'em."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Following the murder of the officers, land was sighted, and they
+learned they were to be put ashore with their belongings. Remonstrance
+against the inhumanity of landing them upon an unknown shore, to be
+left to the mercies of the savage beasts, and possibly still more
+savage men, was absolutely useless.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Before dark, the barkentine lay peacefully at anchor in a land-locked
+harbor. The surrounding shores were beautiful with semi-tropical
+verdure, while in the distance the country rolled from the ocean in
+hill and table-land, almost uniformly clothed in primeval forest. No
+signs of habitation were to be seen.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+No pleas, threats, or promises of reward could move Black Michael. "I'm
+the only man on board who would not rather see you both dead; but you
+saved my life once, and in return I'm going to spare yours. We put you
+ashore to-morrow." The deep roar of a lion came from the dark shadows
+of the distant jungle!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+As darkness settled upon the earth, the woman shrank closer to the man
+in terror-stricken anticipation of the horrors lying in wait for them
+in the awful blackness of the nights to come, when they too should be
+alone upon that wild and lonely shore. What treachery awaited them in
+that dark, mysterious tropical forest?
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Early next morning Lord and Lady Greystoke's chests and boxes were
+hoisted on deck and lowered to waiting small boats for transportation
+to shore. There was a great quantity and variety of stock, arms, and
+ammunition, as they had expected a possible five years' residence in
+their new West Coast African home.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The man shuddered as he meditated upon the awful gravity, the fearful
+helplessness of their situation. But it was a merciful providence that
+prevented him from seeing the hideous reality that awaited them in the
+grim depth of that dense jungle. They silently sat, each wrapped in
+gloomy forebodings, wondering.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+They had escaped death at the hands of the mutineers; but were faced
+with far graver dangers. Alone, he might hope to survive for years. But
+what of his wife, and that _other little life_ so soon to be launched
+amid the hardships and grave dangers of a primeval world? His heart
+sunk in despair, considering their future.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Having filled the ship's casks with fresh water, the small boats
+moved slowly over the water to the ship. As the Fuwalda passed out
+of sight behind a projecting point, Lord Greystoke and his wife--in
+the breasts of both, a feeling of impending disaster and utter
+helplessness--bravely stood, silently watching.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+And behind them, over the edge of a low ridge, _other eyes WATCHED
+THEM--close-set wicked eyes, gleaming beneath shaggy brows!_
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Now that the horror of absolute solitude was upon them, Lady
+Greystoke's overwrought nerves gave way, and the reaction came. "Oh,
+John, the horror of it. What are we to do? If it were only you and I,"
+she sobbed, "we could endure it, I know; but, the baby--" His great
+heart yearned to comfort her.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+After calming her, he opened the box containing the rifles and
+ammunition, that they might both be armed against possible attack.
+His first thought was to arrange a sleeping shelter for the night;
+something that might serve to protect them from prowling beasts.
+Together they sought a favorable location.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Four trees were selected that formed a rectangle, and, cutting long
+branches from other trees, he constructed a framework around them,
+fastening the ends of the branches securely to the trees by means of
+rope, a quantity of which Black Michael fortunately had furnished him
+from the hold of the Fuwalda.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+During the day the forest about them had been filled with excited birds
+of brilliant plumage, and dancing, chattering monkeys, who watched
+these new arrivals and their wonderful nest-building operations with
+every mark of keenest interest and fascination. By dusk the snug
+shelter was completed.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+A sharp lookout was kept while they worked, and once they saw their
+little simian neighbors come screaming over the near-by ridge, and
+casting affrighted glances over their shoulders, evincing as plainly as
+though by speech that they were fleeing some _terrible thing_ that lay
+concealed there. What was it?
+
+[Illustration]
+
+In the comparative safety of their aërial chamber, Lady Greystoke
+suddenly grasped her husband's arm. "Look!" she whispered. "What is it?
+A man?" Silhouetted dimly against the shadows, a great figure stood
+upright, as though listening, then turned slowly and melted into the
+shadows of the jungle.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"What was it?" she whispered. "I do not know," he answered, gravely.
+"It is too dark to see so far, perhaps only a shadow cast by the rising
+moon." "No, John, if it was not a man, it was some huge and grotesque
+mockery of man. Oh, I am afraid." He could feel her heart beat as she
+clung to him, trembling and terrified.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The night noises of a great jungle teeming with myriad animal life kept
+their overwrought nerves on edge; many times they were startled by
+the stealthy movement of great bodies beneath them. He lay facing the
+opening at the front of their aerie, a rifle and revolvers at his hand.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Scarcely had they closed their eyes than the terrifying cry of a
+panther rang out from the jungle. Closer and closer it came until they
+could hear the great beast directly beneath them. For an hour or more
+it sniffed and clawed at the trees that supported their platform.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+At last it roamed away across the beach, where Lord Greystoke could
+see it clearly in the brilliant moonlight--a great handsome beast; the
+largest he had ever seen. From the dark shadows of the mighty forest
+came the wild call of savage beasts--the deep roar of a lion.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+They soon realized they could hope for no safety or peace of mind until
+four strong walls effectually barred the jungle life from them. Next
+morning, after their meager breakfast, Lord Greystoke commenced work
+upon their house. The task was an arduous one, though he built but one
+small room.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Two months after, they were well settled and, but for the constant
+dread of attack by wild beasts and the ever-increasing loneliness,
+they were not uncomfortable or unhappy. At night great beasts snarled
+and roared around their tiny cabin, but they soon became accustomed to
+these oft-repeated, weird noises.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Thrice had they caught fleeting glimpses of great man-like figures, but
+never at sufficiently close range to know whether these forms were men
+or brutes. One afternoon while Greystoke was working upon an addition
+to their cabin, a number of little frightened monkeys came shrieking
+and scolding through the trees.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Even as they fled, they cast fearful glances back of them and finally
+they stopped near Greystoke, jabbering excitedly as if to warn him of
+approaching danger. At last he saw it--the thing the little monkeys
+so feared--the horrible man-brute of which the Greystokes had caught
+occasional fleeting glimpses.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+It was approaching through the jungle--a great anthropoid ape--and
+as it advanced it emitted deep guttural growls and an occasional low
+barking sound. Greystoke, who was at some distance from the cabin, was
+armed only with an axe, and the ferocious monster cut him off from
+escape to his retreat.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Lord Greystoke knew his chances with this ferocious monster were small.
+He thought of his wife--what would become of her? There was yet a
+slight chance of reaching the cabin. He ran, shouting to his wife to
+close the great door should the enraged ape cut off his retreat.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The brute succeeded in intercepting Greystoke. He stood at bay,
+grasping his axe with both hands, ready to swing it upon the infuriated
+animal when it made its final charge. "Close and bolt the door, Alice,"
+cried Greystoke. He knew he was facing a horrible death--and so did
+she!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Over the brute's shoulder Greystoke saw with horror and fear his young
+wife come through the cabin door, armed with one of his rifles. Always
+before she was afraid of firearms, never touching them. Now she rushed
+toward the ape with the fearlessness of a lioness protecting its young.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"Alice," shouted Greystoke, "for God's sake--go back!" The ape
+charged--the man swung his axe with mighty strength, but the powerful
+brute tore it from Greystoke's hands, hurled it far to one side and
+with an angry snarl closed upon its defenseless victim.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Came a sharp report and a bullet entered the ape's back! The beast
+turned upon its new enemy. Lady Greystoke, terrified, tried to fire
+another bullet. Greystoke, regaining his feet, rushed to drag the ape
+from his wife's prostrate form. The bullet had done its work! The ape
+was dead.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+A hasty examination of his wife revealed no marks upon her, and Lord
+Greystoke decided the huge brute had died the instant he had sprung
+toward her. Gently he lifted his wife's still unconscious form and
+bore her to the little cabin. Fully two hours later she regained
+consciousness.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Her first words filled Greystoke with vague apprehension. For some time
+after regaining her senses she gazed wonderingly about the interior of
+the little cabin, and then, with an satisfied sigh, said: "Oh, John, it
+is so good to be REALLY home. I have had an awful dream, dear."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"There, there, Alice," he said, stroking her forehead. "Try to sleep
+again and don't worry." That night, while a leopard screamed before the
+door and the deep notes of a lion's roar sounded from beyond the ridge,
+a little son was born in the tiny cabin beside the primeval jungle
+forest.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Lady Greystoke never recovered from the shock of the great ape's
+attack. She was never again outside the cabin nor did she ever realize
+that she was not in England. But she took joy and happiness in the
+possession of her little son and the constant attentions of her
+husband.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+So that year was a very happy one. Greystoke had long since given up
+all hope of rescue. With unremitting zeal he had worked to beautify
+the cabin. The tiny life that had come to cheer them little knew what
+amazing experiences lay ahead of it in the depths of the African
+jungle.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+During the first year, Greystoke was several times attacked by the
+great apes. But he never again ventured outside without both rifle and
+revolvers. He had strengthened the cabin and fitted locks to the door,
+so he had little fear of the huge beasts now continually infesting the
+vicinity.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+In his leisure, Greystoke read, often aloud, to his wife from the store
+of books he had brought. Among these were many for little children.
+Also he wrote in his diary recording the details of their strange life
+and this book he kept locked in a little metal box. It was written in
+French.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+A year from the day her little son was born, Lady Greystoke passed
+quietly away in the night. Her end was peaceful and the horror of the
+situation came to him very slowly--the fearful responsibility that had
+devolved upon him with the care of his nursing infant son.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The last entry in his diary was made the morning following her death
+and there he recites the sad details in a matter-of-fact way that adds
+to the pathos, sorrow, and hopelessness of this cruel blow: "My little
+son is crying for nourishment--O Alice, Alice--what shall I do?"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+And as Lord Greystoke wrote the last words his hand was destined ever
+to pen, he dropped his head wearily into his arms upon the table. For
+a long time no sound broke the death-like stillness of the jungle save
+the piteous wailings of the tiny, hungry man-child. _Then came the
+apes!_
+
+[Illustration]
+
+In the forest of the table-land a mile back from the ocean old Kerchak
+the Ape King was on a rampage of rage among his people. The younger and
+lighter members of his tribe all scattered to the higher tree branches,
+risking their lives to escape his uncontrolled anger.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The other males scattered in all directions, but not before Kerchak had
+crushed one between his great foaming jaws. A luckless young female
+slipped from an insecure hold. With a wild scream he was upon her,
+striking her viciously with a broken tree limb until her skull was
+crushed.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Then he spied Kala, returning from a search for food, with her young
+babe. Ignorant of the state of the King's temper, the shrill warning
+of her fellows caused her to scamper madly for safety. But Kerchak was
+close upon her--so close that he had almost grasped her ankle.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+She made a furious leap far into space--from one tree to another--made
+it successfully. But as she grasped the limb of the further tree, the
+sudden jar loosed the hold of the tiny babe. She saw the little thing
+hurled--turning, twisting--to the ground thirty feet below.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+With a low cry of dismay, Kala rushed to her baby's side, thoughtless
+now of danger. When she gathered the wee, mangled form to her bosom,
+life had left it. Nor did Kerchak attempt to molest her. His fit of
+demoniac rage passed as suddenly as it had seized him.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+When the tribe saw Kerchak's rage had ceased, they came slowly down
+from their arboreal retreats. They had passed an hour or so pursuing
+again their various occupations when Kerchak called them together and
+with a word of command to them to follow him, set off toward the sea.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+And all the way Kala carried her little dead baby hugged closely to her
+breast. Shortly after noon they reached a ridge overlooking the beach
+where below them lay the tiny cottage which was Kerchak's goal. He had
+made up his mind to explore the interior of that mysterious den.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+He wanted very, very much to own that little black stick that had often
+roared out its terrible message of death to some member of the tribe.
+To-day there was no sign of the man about. Slowly, cautiously and
+noiselessly they crept through the jungle toward the little cabin.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Kerchak himself slunk slowly to the very door and peered within. Behind
+him were two males and then Kala clasping her dead babe. They saw the
+strange white ape lying half across a table and a figure covered by a
+sail cloth. A plaintive wailing came from a tiny cradle.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Kerchak entered. Greystoke rose with a sudden start and faced them. The
+sight that met his eyes must have frozen him with horror! His revolvers
+and rifle hung on the far wall. Within the door stood three great bull
+apes. Behind them crowded many more--HOW MANY HE NEVER KNEW!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+When the king-ape released the limp form that had been Lord Greystoke,
+he turned his attention toward the little cradle. Kala was there before
+him and, ere he could intercept her, snatched the child herself,
+dropping her own dead babe in the cradle, and bolted through the door.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+High up among the branches of a mighty tree she took refuge, hugging
+the shrieking infant to her bosom. Then hunger closed the gap between
+them and soon he became quiet. The son of an English Lord and an
+English Lady nursed at the breast of Kala, the great ape!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Meanwhile the beasts within the cabin were warily examining its strange
+contents. Once satisfied they were dead, Kerchak did not again molest
+the body of either Lady or Lord Greystoke. Presently he halted before
+the rifle hanging upon the wall. Finally he tore it down and examined
+it closely.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The other apes sat huddled together watching their chief. Suddenly
+Kerchak's finger closed upon the trigger. There was a deafening roar!
+The apes fell over one another in their wild anxiety to escape.
+Kerchak, equally frightened, but still clutching the rifle, sprang
+through the door, which shut tightly after him.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The rifle sight had caught upon the door's edge and the latch had
+sprung as Kerchak passed out. When the apes again brought themselves
+to approach the cabin, they found it securely fastened. After roaming
+about for a while, they began their homeward march. And Kala joined
+them with the man-child.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Kala would not allow the other apes to touch her adopted baby. She
+held the small form of the little Lord Greystoke tightly to her
+breast, repulsing with bared fangs and low, menacing growls the apes
+who attempted to examine this strange baby. Tenderly, Kala nursed her
+little waif.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+It was nearly a year from the time the little fellow came into her
+possession before he would walk alone. He couldn't climb nor even find
+food alone like the little apes of their tribe. Tublat, Kala's mate,
+was sorely vexed, wanting to put the child out of the way.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tublat argued with Kala until she grew furious and would not listen to
+him. Then Tublat went to Kerchak, urging him to use his authority with
+Kala and force her to give up the little TARZAN, which was the name
+they had given little Lord Greystoke, and which meant "White-Skin."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+But when Kerchak spoke to her about it, Kala threatened to run away
+from the tribe. They did not wish to lose her, and so they bothered
+her no more. By the time Tarzan was ten years old he was an excellent
+climber and could do many wonderful things.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan was fully as strong as the average man of thirty, and far
+more agile. Day by day his strength was increasing. His life among
+these fierce apes had been happy. He was nearly ten before he began
+to realize that a great difference existed between himself and his
+fellows.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+In the higher land that the tribe frequented was a little lake. Here it
+was that Tarzan first saw his face in the clear, still waters of its
+bosom. He was appalled! He turned red with shame as he compared his
+face and naked body with his more fortunate brother's.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+So intent was he upon this personal appraisement of his features that
+he did not hear the parting of the tall grass behind him as a great
+body pushed itself stealthily through the jungle. Not thirty paces
+behind the two she crouched--Sabor, the huge lioness--lashing her tail.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Cautiously she moved a great padded paw forward, noiselessly placing it
+before she lifted the next. Thus she advanced--a great cat preparing
+to spring upon its prey. An instant she paused. Then with an awful
+scream--voiced to freeze her victim in a paralysis of terror--she
+sprang!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The little ape crouched tremblingly. Not so Tarzan, the man-child.
+Before him lay the deep waters of the little lake--behind him certain
+death! Tarzan had always hated water. He could not swim. But before the
+great beast had covered half her leap, Tarzan felt the chill waters
+close above him.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Rapidly he moved his hands and feet. Soon his nose was above water.
+Sabor was intently watching. Tarzan raised his voice in the tribal call
+of distress. Presently fifty great apes swung rapidly toward the scene.
+Then Sabor disappeared quickly into the brush and Tarzan was assisted
+to dry land by some of his ape friends.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan had early learned to form ropes by twisting and tying long
+grasses together. By constant experimenting, he learned to tie rude
+knots and make sliding nooses. Then, with painstaking practice, he
+learned the art of roping. He would catch some playfellow thus, to the
+other apes' unlimited amusement.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+To Tarzan the closed and silent cabin was always a source of
+never-ending mystery and pleasure. His own connection with the cabin
+had never been told him. Kala had explained vaguely that his father
+had been a strange white ape. He didn't know that Kala was not his own
+mother.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The apes avoided the deserted abode. Only too well they remembered its
+deadly thunder-stick! One day Tarzan found the door, spending hours
+examining it and fussing with the hinges, the knob, and latch. Finally
+he stumbled upon the right combination--the door swung creakingly open
+before his astonished eyes.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan slowly and cautiously entered. He saw three skeletons, giving
+but passing heed. The other contents riveted his attention! He opened
+chests, examining minutely strange tools, weapons, books, and clothing.
+Finding a sharp hunting-knife, he immediately cut his finger. A child's
+illustrated alphabet interested him greatly. Dusk was approaching.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan departed, taking the hunting-knife to show his fellows. Suddenly
+a great form rose up--it was Bolgani, the huge gorilla! Tarzan knew
+he must stand and fight for his life. He met the brute mid-way in its
+charge. They rolled upon the ground in the fierce frenzy of combat.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan in one hand still clutched the knife he had found in his
+father's cabin. Accidentally he turned its point toward the hairy
+breast. As it sank into its body the gorilla shrieked in pain and rage.
+Then Tarzan plunged the blade repeatedly and to the hilt into Bolgani's
+breast.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The gorilla tore the flesh at the boy's throat and chest with its
+mighty tusks. More and more weakly the torn and bleeding arm struck
+home with the long, sharp blade. Then the little figure stiffened with
+a spasmodic jerk, and Tarzan, the young Lord Greystoke, rolled lifeless
+upon the ground.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Far off the tribe heard the fierce challenge of the gorilla. It was
+soon discovered that Tarzan was missing. Kerchak, the king-ape, was
+strongly opposed to sending assistance. He had no liking for the
+strange little waif. But Kala was of a different mind. She fairly flew
+through the matted branches!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Presently she came upon them under the brilliant moonlight--little
+Tarzan's torn and bloody form and beside it a great bull gorilla--stone
+dead. Rushing to Tarzan's side, Kala listened for a sign of life.
+Faintly she heard it. Tenderly she carried him through the inky jungle,
+back to the tribe.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Many days and nights Kala sat guard beside Tarzan, bringing food and
+water in her mouth. She licked his wounds, thus keeping them clean.
+After what seemed an eternity to the little sufferer, he was able to
+walk once more. In another month he was as strong and active as ever.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan was anxious to return to the cabin and continue his
+investigations of its wondrous contents. So early one morning he set
+forth alone. He found the knife, beside the bones of the gorilla.
+Entering, he closed and locked the door and then turned his attention
+to the picture books.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The pictures caught his fancy most. One, of a little ape similar to
+himself, fascinated him mightily. It had a strange colored fur, for
+such he thought the coat and trousers were. Beneath the picture were
+these little bugs--B-O-Y. Under another picture the "bugs" appeared
+again--A B-O-Y AND A D-O-G.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Long he puzzled; but slowly, very slowly, he learned. By the time he
+was fifteen he knew the various combinations of letters that stood for
+every picture in the little primer and in one or two of the picture
+books. He persevered for months--each time he came to the cabin.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+One day he found a number of lead pencils in a drawer. Scratching upon
+the table top with one of them, he was delighted to find the black line
+it left behind it. He attempted to reproduce some of the little "bugs"
+of his books. It was a difficult task.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Repeated experiments taught him how to hold a pencil. Thus he made a
+beginning at writing. From then on his progress was rapid. His reason
+now told him he was of a different race from his companions. He was a
+M-A-N. He didn't know he could not speak man's language.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+On the day Tarzan established his right to respect, the tribe
+was gathered in a small natural amphitheater. Here, safe from
+interruptions, they celebrated victories. In the center was one of
+those strange earthen drums the anthropoids build for their queer
+rites, which men have sometimes heard but never witnessed.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan, Lord Greystoke, is doubtless the only human being who ever
+joined in the fierce, mad, intoxicating revel of the Dum-Dum. This day
+the grisly rites marked the killing of a giant ape--a member of another
+tribe. Two mighty bulls laid the body before the earthen drum.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+They squatted there beside it as guards. The other apes curled
+themselves up to sleep until the rising moon should give the signal for
+the commencement of the savage orgy. For hours absolute quiet reigned.
+At length, as darkness settled upon the jungle, the apes commenced to
+bestir themselves.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+They formed a great circle around three old females, who, armed with
+knotted branches, began softly tapping upon the resounding surfaces of
+the drum, as the ascending moon silvered the treetops. Presently a wild
+rhythmic din pervaded the jungle for miles around. It rose to almost
+deafening volume.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Kerchak sprang into the open space, threw his head far back and,
+beating his breast, emitted thrice his fearful roaring shriek. Other
+males repeated the horrid, blood-thirsty screams. Then began the
+mad whirl of the death dance. And Tarzan, sweat-streaked, muscular,
+glistening, was one of the wild leaping horde!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The weird dance went on. Then at a signal from Kerchak the drums
+ceased. The males rushed headlong upon the thing which their terrific
+blows had reduced to a mass of hairy pulp. They now turned their
+attention to devouring their late enemy. The mightiest apes obtained
+the choicest morsels.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan with his sharp knife slashed off a more generous portion than he
+had hoped for. Old Tublat spied Tarzan with the prize and wicked gleams
+of hate shot from his little eyes. Tarzan saw the great beast's purpose
+and leaped nimbly away--Tublat, however, close upon his heels.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Swiftly he sprang. Gaining a lower limb, he climbed rapidly, followed
+closely by Tublat. Up, up he went to the highest branches, where his
+heavy pursuer dared not follow. There he perched, hurling taunts and
+insults at the raging, foaming beast fifty feet below him. And then
+Tublat went mad!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+With horrifying screams and roars, he rushed to the ground among the
+females and young, sinking his great fangs into a dozen tiny necks.
+Tarzan witnessed the whole mad carnival of rage. Now he saw Tublat dash
+toward Kala, his foster-mother. Tarzan dropped swiftly and faced the
+infuriated brute.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+With a roar of triumph, Tublat leaped. Tarzan plunged a keen
+hunting-knife a dozen times into him. The ape rolled to the ground.
+Tarzan, his foot upon the neck of his enemy, threw back his head and,
+beating his mighty breast, screamed out the fierce ape cry of defiance.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The morning after the Dum-Dum, the tribe started slowly back through
+the forest toward the coast. The body of Tublat lay where it had
+fallen, for the people of Kerchak do not eat their own dead. The march
+was but a leisurely search for food. Once old Sabor crossed their path.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+This sent them scurrying to the safety of the higher branches. Tarzan
+sat directly above the lioness--and hurled a pineapple at their ancient
+enemy. Into his mind a great plan sprung. He had killed the fierce
+Tublat; now would he track down the crafty Sabor and slay her likewise!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+At the bottom of his little English heart bent the great desire to
+cover his nakedness with clothes. He had learned from his picture books
+that all MEN were so covered, while APES and every other living thing
+went naked. So he desired the skin of Sabor, the lioness.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+On this day he had other things to attract his attention. Suddenly it
+became as midnight. Faintly came a low, sad moaning. The great trees
+bent. Vivid and blinding lightning flashed from the whirling, inky
+clouds above. Roaring thunder belched forth its fearsome challenge. The
+deluge came--pandemonium broke loose!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The tribe huddled in shivering fear from the cold rain at the bases
+of great trees. For hours it raged--ending suddenly. To Tarzan came a
+dawning light to explain the mystery of clothes. How snug he'd have
+been beneath Sabor's heavy coat! So was added a further incentive.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan always kept his grass rope lasso in readiness when journeying
+through the forest, catching many small animals. At last came she whom
+he sought--Sabor, the lioness. Nearer and nearer--to where Tarzan of
+the Apes crouched upon his limb, the coils of his long rope poised
+ready.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Like a thing of bronze sat Tarzan. Sabor passed beneath. Three strides
+she took. Then the silent coil shot out and settled about her neck.
+With a quick jerk, Tarzan snapped the noose tight about the glossy
+neck. She made a bound and fell upon her neck! Sabor was trapped.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+But Sabor had now found that it was only a slender cord that held her,
+and, grasping it in her huge jaws, she severed it! Tarzan was much
+hurt. His well-laid plan had come to naught. Sabor paced back and forth
+beneath the tree for hours, often springing at him.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan mocked and danced above her, hurling twigs and branches at her
+unprotected face. At last he tired of the sport. With a parting roar of
+challenge, and a well-aimed ripe fruit that spread over her face, he
+swung rapidly through the trees a hundred feet above the ground.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+In a short time he was among the members of his tribe. And here he
+recounted the details of his adventure, with swelling chest and so
+considerable a swagger that he impressed even his bitterest enemies,
+while Kala fairly danced for joy and pride at her foster-son's bravery
+and prowess.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan of the Apes lived on in his wild jungle existence with little
+change for several years, growing stronger and wiser. With Tantor the
+Elephant he made friends. On many moonlit nights Tarzan and Tantor
+walked together. All else of the jungle were his enemies, except his
+own tribe.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+At eighteen, Tarzan had never seen a human being other than himself.
+But as he sat one day in a tall tree, trying to solve the mystery of
+the cabin, the ancient security of his jungle was broken forever. _A
+strange cavalcade strung in single file over a low hill._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+In advance were fifty black warriors armed with wooden spears, long
+bows, and poisoned arrows. Then came several hundred women and children
+followed by more warriors. They were fleeing from the white man's
+soldiers, having massacred a white officer. They set to work to build a
+new village. Tarzan wondered.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+A month later it was complete, and they had taken up their old life
+in their new home. Several moons passed before they ventured far from
+their safety, for many had fallen prey to the jungle animals. But one
+day Kulonga, son of their old king, wandered far toward the west.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Warily he stepped--his long shield grasped close to his sleek, ebony
+body. Night found him far from his father's village. He climbed into
+the fork of a great tree, fashioned a rude platform, and curled himself
+for sleep. Three miles to the west of him slept the tribe of Kerchak.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Early the next morning, the apes were astir, moving through the jungle
+in search of food. Tarzan, as was his custom, prosecuted his search
+in the direction of the cabin. Kala, busily engaged, had moved slowly
+east, when the faintest shadow of a strange noise brought her to
+startled attention.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Down the leafy trail she saw the stealthily advancing figure of a
+strange and fearsome creature. It was Kulonga. Kala moved rapidly back
+along the trail, seeking rather to avoid than to escape. Close after
+her came Kulonga. Here was meat! He could kill and feast well! His
+spear poised for the throw.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The spear sped toward Kala. It but grazed her side! With a cry of rage
+and pain, the she-ape turned and charged. Instantly the trees crashed
+beneath her hurrying fellows--swinging rapidly to Kala's scream.
+Kulonga fitted a poisoned arrow, and drove it straight into the heart
+of the great anthropoid.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+With a horrible scream, Kala plunged forward upon her face before the
+astonished members of her tribe. Roaring and shrieking, the apes dashed
+toward Kulonga, who fled down the trail. None had ever seen a man
+before other than Tarzan, so they wondered what strange creature had
+invaded their jungle.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan heard. He knew something was amiss. He found the entire tribe
+gathered jabbering about the dead body of his foster-mother. His grief
+and anger were unbounded. He roared out his hideous challenge, beat his
+breast, and then fell upon the body of Kala, sobbing out his lonely
+heart.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+After the first outburst of grief, Tarzan controlled himself and
+questioned the tribe concerning the killing of Kala. They told him
+of a strange hairless black ape with feathers on its head, who
+launched death from a slender branch--then fled with the fleetness of
+Bara-the-deer toward the setting sun.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+It was enough. Tarzan sped rapidly to intercept the black warrior. He
+took his knife and rope. He struck the trail and in the mud he found
+footprints such as his own--but larger. His heart beat fast! Could it
+be that he was trailing a MAN? One of his own race?
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Soon he came upon the black warrior. Tarzan looked with wonder. Horta,
+the boar, was charging and Kulonga shot a little poisoned arrow. Horta
+staggered and lay still. Kulonga cut several long pieces from the
+boar's body, built a fire, and ate as much as he wanted, leaving the
+rest.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan was an interested spectator. He decided to follow further this
+savage creature, killing him at his leisure. When Kulonga departed,
+Tarzan of the Apes dropped and severed several pieces--but didn't cook
+them. He knew not the use of fire. So he gobbled down a lot of the raw
+flesh.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+And then Tarzan, Lord Greystoke, wiped his greasy fingers upon his
+naked thighs and took up the trail of Kulonga. In far-off London
+another Lord Greystoke--Tarzan's uncle--sent back his chops to the
+Club's chef because they were underdone, and when _he_ finished, dried
+_his_ hands on snowy damask!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+All day Tarzan followed Kulonga. Twice more he saw him hurl his arrows
+of destruction. Tarzan thought much on this wondrous method of slaying.
+He must look into the matter. That night Kulonga slept in the crotch of
+a mighty tree, and far above him crouched Tarzan of the Apes.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+When Kulonga awoke he found that his bow and arrows had disappeared.
+The black warrior was panic-stricken. He was defenseless except for a
+single knife. Now his only hope lay in quickly reaching his village. He
+took the trail at a rapid trot. Tarzan followed quietly in his wake.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+He was almost ready for the kill, but he was anxious to ascertain the
+black warrior's destination. Presently he saw it. As Kulonga emerged
+from the jungle a slender coiled rope sped above him. A quick noose
+tightened about his neck. Then Tarzan drew the threshing victim up into
+the sheltering tree.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan fastened the rope securely to a sharp branch. Then, descending,
+he plunged his hunting-knife into Kulonga's heart. _Kala was avenged!_
+He examined the black minutely--never had he seen another human being.
+He admired the tattooing, the sharp filed teeth. On himself he put the
+feathered head-dress, copper anklet, belt, and knife.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan of the Apes was ravenously hungry. Here was meat, which jungle
+ethics permitted him to eat. His knife was poised to dismember Kulonga.
+Suddenly a strange doubt stayed his hand. He never before hesitated to
+eat of his kill, but was not this a man? Did men _eat_ men?
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan's instinct overcame his cannibalistic impulse. He lowered
+Kulonga's body and viewed the savage village, wondering over many
+features of this new, strange life. A woman directly beneath him stood
+over a small caldron, dipping arrows into a seething substance. He knew
+that this was the deadly stuff that killed.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan wanted some of those little death-dealing slivers. He heard a
+wild cry from across the clearing, and saw an excited black warrior
+standing beneath the tree in which he had killed Kulonga, the murderer
+of his ape-mother, Kala. The fellow was shouting, waving his spear and
+pointing.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The village was in on uproar instantly. Armed men raced madly toward
+the excited sentry. Tarzan of the Apes knew they had found the body
+of his victim. Quickly he dropped into the now deserted village and
+gathered some arrows. Entering a near-by hut, he saw many weapons _and
+skulls_!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan made a pile of the hideous skulls. On the top skull he fastened
+the head-dress of Kulonga, the chief's dead son. Then he heard a
+mighty wailing and long, mournful howls. Quickly he disappeared into
+the foliage above, kicking over the seething caldron, after securing a
+supply of poisonous arrows.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The natives filed up the street bearing Kulonga's body, taking it to
+the very hut in which Tarzan wrought his depredations. They came out in
+wild jabbering confusion. The awesome discoveries filled their hearts
+with terror. They conjured in their poor brains only the most frightful
+of superstitious explanations.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+It was a well-laden Tarzan who dropped into the midst of Kerchak's
+tribe. With swelling chest he narrated the glories of his adventures
+and exhibited the spoils of conquest. Kerchak was jealous of this
+strange member of his tribe. He sought some excuse to wreak his hatred
+upon Tarzan.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+A month Tarzan practiced with his bow and arrows. During this time he
+further investigated the cabin, and found the metal box containing his
+father's diary, some photographs, and a diamond locket. This took his
+fancy. He placed it about his neck, in imitation of the black men he
+had visited.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+When his arrows were gone, Tarzan renewed the supply, repeating his
+former pranks while the natives were enjoying a cannibal feast. They
+were filled with fear at this new manifestation of some unseen,
+unearthly evil power. Returning homeward, Tarzan encountered Sabor, the
+lioness, and sent an arrow into her.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Removing the great pelt, he hastened to the tribe, who gathered to see
+this new proof of his wondrous prowess. Only Kerchak hung back--nursing
+his hatred and rage. Suddenly something snapped in Kerchak's brain. He
+sprang biting and killing among the assembly. "Come down, Tarzan," he
+cried, "come and fight!"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Breathlessly the tribe watched as Kerchak, roaring, charged the
+relatively puny figure. Tarzan tore loose his knife and drove it into
+Kerchak--below the heart! They struggled along. Then the great body
+shuddered, stiffened--sank limply. Kerchak was dead. Thus came the
+young Lord Greystoke into the KINGSHIP OF THE APES.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The apes were more than content with Tarzan as their new king. Food was
+more plentiful. He settled all their disputes wisely. Next he moved the
+tribe inland to a place undefiled by the foot of a human being. But he
+spent more and more time away from the tribe.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+He tired of the kingship and longed for the little cabin and the
+sun-kissed sea. As he had grown older, he found his interests were
+different from those of the tribe. He now preferred the peace and
+solitude of the cabin to his leadership duties among the band of wild
+apes.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+He had still one enemy. Before he renounced his kingship of the apes,
+Tarzan wished to subdue the ugly Terkoz without recourse to knife or
+arrows. Terkoz one day offended the tribal laws by beating an old
+female and defying Tarzan's command to stop. So came they to that
+well-remembered fight!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Never had the ape-man fought so terrible a battle since that day when
+Bolgani, the king gorilla, had so horribly mangled him. But he won,
+though he did not kill his enemy. This time he spared, after forcing
+Terkoz to cry: "Ka-goda," meaning, "I surrender!" And all the tribe
+heard--and marveled.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan let him up. Before darkness settled he called the old males
+about him. "Tarzan," he said, "is going back to the lair of his own
+people. You must choose another ruler. Tarzan will not return." Thus he
+started toward his goal, the finding of other white men like himself.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Many days it was before Tarzan recovered from his victorious battle
+with Terkoz, the rebellious bull-ape. And then, one day, he had another
+encounter with three of the natives, emerging victor, taking their
+weapons, ornaments, and wondrous finery. The natives, now thoroughly
+frightened, believed him some unseen, terrible god.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"Munango-Keewati," they called him, the evil spirit of the jungle,
+believing that those who looked upon him died. So the king ordered
+arrows and food to be placed just without the village to appease him.
+As long as they supplied him with these, they thought, he would not
+harm them.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan was returning to the cabin. When he came in sight of the beach,
+a strange and unusual spectacle met his vision. On the placid waters of
+the land-locked harbor floated a great ship, and on the beach a small
+boat was drawn up. And men--like himself--were moving about!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+He crept closer, saw ten men talking loudly, gesticulating, shaking
+their fists. Presently a little man laid his hand upon the shoulder of
+a giant next him, pointing inland. As the big man turned to look, the
+mean-faced one shot him in the back, tumbling him forward--dead!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The report of the weapon, the first Tarzan had ever heard, filled him
+with wonderment. Were such white men his brothers? Presently the men
+launched the boat, jumped into it and rowed away toward the great ship.
+Then Tarzan slipped back to the cabin. Everything had been ransacked!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan saw his books and weapons strewn on the floor; his little store
+of treasures littered about. A great wave of anger surged through
+him. Ah--but the men had not found his tin box with its precious
+contents!... _What was that?..._ His quick ear had caught a faint but
+unfamiliar sound.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+He ran to the window, looking toward the harbor. He saw a boat being
+lowered from the great ship beside the one already in the water. Soon
+he saw many people clambering over the ship's sides and dropping into
+the boats. They were coming back in full force!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+He watched bundles and boxes being lowered. As they shoved off, the
+ape-man snatched up a piece of paper and with a pencil printed several
+lines of strong well-made characters. This notice he stuck upon the
+door with a sharp wood splinter. Then gathering his precious box and
+weapons he disappeared into the forest.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Fifteen villainous-appearing seamen landed from the boats.
+Blood-thirsty and filthy they looked. The five others comprised two
+elderly men--evidently scholars--a handsome young man in white ducks, a
+huge negress, and a very beautiful girl of about nineteen. In silence
+the party advanced toward the cabin.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The sailors carried the boxes and bales followed by the five of so
+different a class. Coming to the cabin, they saw with puzzled surprise
+the new-made sign. Few of the sailors could read. "Hi, perfesser," one
+shouted, "read the bloomin' notis." The old gentleman addressed, read,
+and murmured, "Most remarkable!"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+A sailor grasped him by the collar and bawled into his ear: "Read it
+out loud, you blithering idiot!" The professor read: THIS IS THE HOUSE
+OF TARZAN THE KILLER OF BEASTS AND MANY BLACK MEN. DO NOT HARM THE
+THINGS WHICH ARE TARZAN'S. TARZAN WATCHES. TARZAN OF THE APES.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The thought uppermost in their minds was: "Who is Tarzan of the Apes?"
+The rat-faced sailor growled out an insulting oath! The young man's
+face paled in anger. "You've murdered our officer and robbed us," he
+said. "Now shut up or I'll break your neck with my bare hands."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+He deliberately turned his back upon the sailor and walked away.
+The sailor's hand crept slyly to his revolver. His eyes glared
+vengefully.... Two keen eyes had watched every move of the party from
+a near-by tree. Tarzan saw the surprise caused by his notice and now
+watched the quarrel.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The act of the rat-faced sailor in killing his comrade, the day before,
+had aroused a strong dislike in Tarzan. He liked the fine-looking young
+man. But now he naturally expected to see the young man murdered. Spear
+in hand, his mighty arm was ready to strike.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Then three things happened almost simultaneously. The sailor leveled
+his weapon at the young man's back, the girl screamed a warning, and
+a long spear shot like a bolt from above. It passed through the man's
+right shoulder, and the seaman crumpled up with a scream of pain and
+terror.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The sailors stood in a frightened group, with drawn revolvers. The
+wounded man writhed and shrieked upon the ground. The young man, whose
+name was Clayton, picked up the fallen revolver. Jane, the girl, ran to
+him. "Who could it have been?" she whispered. Meanwhile her father and
+his scholarly companion had wandered into the primeval jungle.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"I daresay Tarzan of the Apes is watching us all right!" Clayton
+answered. "Go into the cabin while I go in search of your father." He
+gave Jane his revolver and when he saw the door close safely behind
+Jane and her servant, Esmeralda, he strode into the dense jungle.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+When Jane and Esmeralda found themselves safely behind the cabin door,
+the negress's first thought was to barricade the portal from within.
+She turned to search for some means to do it. With her first look, she
+gave a shriek of terror, running to her mistress like a frightened
+child.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Jane saw the cause of her cry! Lying prone upon the floor beside
+them was the whitened skeleton of a man. A further glance revealed
+the second skeleton upon the bed. And then the tiny skeleton in the
+cradle! "What horrible place are we in?" murmured the awe-struck girl.
+Esmeralda trembled.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+What might lie before them in this ill-fated cabin? She endeavored
+to shake off the gloomy forebodings. She bade Esmeralda cease her
+wailings, and the two of them barred the heavy door. Then they sat down
+upon a bench, their arms about one another, two thoroughly frightened
+women, and waited.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Meanwhile, the cowardly crew of the "Arrow" pulled rapidly for the
+ship. Tarzan watched. The most wonderful sight of all to him was the
+face of the beautiful white girl. Here at last was one of his own kind.
+He decided to follow young Clayton and learn his errand.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Presently Tarzan came up with him. Clayton was lost. At intervals he
+called aloud. Tarzan decided he was searching for the old man. Suddenly
+Tarzan caught the yellow glint of a sleek hide moving cautiously toward
+the unsuspecting young man. It was Sheeta, the leopard, crouching for
+the spring!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+And then, shrill and horrible, there rose upon the jungle stillness
+the awful cry of the challenging ape. Sheeta hesitated, then turned,
+crashing into the underbrush. Clayton's blood ran cold--he felt the icy
+fingers of fear upon his heart. Never had so fearful a sound smote upon
+his ears.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Clayton could not know that to that very voice he owed his life nor
+that the creature who hurled it forth _was his own cousin_--the _real_
+Lord Greystoke. He started stumbling back to where he thought the cabin
+lay. Darkness was quickly setting in. Heavens!--to die here alone!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Presently he heard a faint sound. Then he saw it! The lithe body of a
+huge lion. Agonized he watched--powerless to fly. Came a noise above
+him, an arrow hit the beast, who sprang in pain and terror. Then a
+naked giant dropped from the tree above--squarely on the brute's back!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The scene Clayton witnessed there in the twilight depths of the African
+jungle was burned forever into the Englishman's brain. The giant man
+before him encircled the lion with his powerful right arm while with
+his left hand he plunged a knife time and again into the beast's
+unprotected side.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+It was all accomplished quickly. The lion sank lifeless. Then the
+strange figure that had vanquished it stood erect upon the carcass, and
+throwing back the wild and handsome head, gave out the fearsome cry
+that a few minutes earlier had so startled Clayton. Then he gathered up
+his weapons.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Clayton spoke to the stranger in English, thanking him. The only answer
+was a steady stare and a shrug of the mighty shoulders. Tarzan drew
+his knife, deftly carving a dozen strips from the lion's carcass. Then
+squatting upon his haunches, he proceeded to eat, motioning Clayton to
+join him.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Clayton could not bring himself to share the uncooked meat his strange
+host was so apparently relishing. Again he essayed speech with the
+ape-man, who replied in a strange tongue, like monkeys chattering. Then
+he arose, motioning Clayton to follow him. Bewildered and confused,
+Clayton hesitated to do so.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The ape-man, seeing Clayton disinclined to follow, grasped him by the
+coat, dragging him along for a while. The Englishman concluded he was
+a prisoner. Thus they traveled into the impenetrable forest amid wild
+calls of savage life and falling night. Suddenly there came a faint
+report--a single shot--then silence.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+In the cabin by the beach two thoroughly terrified women crouched. The
+negress sobbed hysterically. The white girl, dry-eyed, was torn by
+fears and forebodings. They heard the almost incessant roars from the
+savage jungle. And now there came the sound of a heavy body brushing
+against the cabin's side!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Silence--then she distinctly heard an animal outside, sniffing at the
+door. They shuddered instinctively. A gentle scratching--the beast was
+trying to force an entrance. Now, silhouetted against the moonlit sky
+beyond, Jane saw the head of a huge lioness, its gleaming eyes fastened
+upon her in intent ferocity.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+For twenty minutes the huge brute alternately sniffed and tore at the
+door. Then she launched her great weight against the timeworn window
+lattice. They saw a portion of it give way. Esmeralda fainted. The
+horrified prisoner within beheld one great paw ... then its head thrust
+within the room.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Slowly the powerful neck and shoulders spread the bars apart.... The
+girl rose as in a trance, seeking with ever-increasing terror some
+loophole of escape.... Suddenly her hand, tight pressed against her
+bosom, felt the outline of Clayton's revolver. Quickly she leveled
+it ... and pulled the trigger.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+There was a flash of flame, a roar of pain. This was the shot heard by
+Tarzan and Clayton. Then Jane, too, fainted. But Sabor was not killed.
+She saw her prey resistless. Slowly she forced her great bulk through
+the opening. On this sight Jane again opened her eyes!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+When Clayton heard the shot, he became agonized with fear and
+apprehension. He knew Jane was threatened with some danger. Tarzan
+heard also and quickened his pace. Soon Clayton was left hopelessly
+behind. He called aloud to the ape-man. Tarzan dropped lightly to his
+side from the branches above.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Stooping down before Clayton, Tarzan motioned him to grasp him about
+the neck, and with the white man upon his back, took to the trees.
+The next few minutes were such as the Englishman never forgot. High
+into swaying branches he was borne with what seemed to him incredible
+swiftness.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+From one lofty branch the agile creature swung with Clayton through
+a dizzy arc to a neighboring tree; then for a hundred yards maybe,
+the sure feet threaded a maze of interwoven limbs, balancing like a
+tight-rope-walker high above the black depths. How Clayton admired
+those giant muscles!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Clayton fairly caught his breath at the sight of the horrid depths
+below them. Yet, with all his seeming speed, Tarzan was actually
+feeling his way with comparative slowness, searching constantly for
+limbs of adequate strength to hold this double weight. Presently they
+came to the clearing before the beach.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan's quick ears had heard the strange sounds of the lioness's
+efforts to force the cabin. They dropped a hundred feet--landing with
+scarcely a jar. The ape-man darted ahead, just in time to see the huge
+lioness's tawny body slowly disappearing through the window of the
+cabin!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Within the cabin Jane saw the lioness almost through the window. She
+reached for the fallen revolver. Raised it. Then she saw Esmeralda,
+inert but alive. She could not leave her. She must use one cartridge on
+the senseless woman before she turned the cold muzzle toward herself
+again.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Quickly Jane ran to the side of Esmeralda. She pressed the muzzle
+of the revolver tight against that devoted heart, closed her eyes,
+and--Sabor, the lioness, emitted a frightful shriek. The girl,
+startled, recoiled and turned to face the brute, again raising the
+weapon against her own temple.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+She didn't fire again. Surprised, she saw the huge animal being drawn
+slowly back through the window and in the moonlight the heads of two
+men. Tarzan had seized the long tail in both his hands, braced himself,
+and thrown all his mighty strength into the effort to draw the beast
+back.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Slowly the lioness was emerging from the window. Tarzan, suddenly
+releasing his hold upon her, sprang full upon her back. Tighter
+his strong young arms forced her head lower and lower. The immense
+muscles of Tarzan's shoulders and biceps leaped into corded knots--a
+super-human effort--and Sabor's vertebrae snapped!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Instantly Tarzan was on his feet. For the second time Clayton heard
+Tarzan give the bull-ape's savage roar of victory. He ran toward Jane's
+agonized cry. Calming her fears, they came out to the dead body of the
+lioness, to thank their rescuer. But Tarzan of the Apes was gone.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan went in search of Jane's father. Finally he found the old man,
+and the professor, brought them safely to the cabin, and again vanished
+into the jungle. Esmeralda "came to" at the lioness's last shriek. The
+reunited party of castaways related their experiences and talked long
+of the mysterious ape-man.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+When it grew light, they ate of their scanty store of food. They
+decided to bury the skeletons. The professor discovered they were those
+of white people. On the man's finger he found a massive ring. Clayton
+gave a cry of astonishment!... It bore the crest of the house of
+Greystoke.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+And then Jane in a book saw the single name: Greystoke. Thus they
+identified the skeletons and with deep reverence buried them. The
+professor had noted that the infant's bones were not a human's. He
+murmured "Most remarkable," but said nothing. From the trees Tarzan of
+the Apes watched the solemn ceremony.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Most of all he watched the sweet face and graceful figure of Jane. He
+knew that she was created to be protected and that he was created to
+protect her. Esmeralda chanced to glance toward the harbor. She cried
+out, pointing to the "Arrow" slowly sailing seaward!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Now they knew they were deserted--marooned by merciless sailors on this
+jungle shore. Tarzan saw their consternation; also the departure of the
+ship. He swung through the trees to see closely this strange floating
+house. Presently his keen eyes saw the faintest suspicion of smoke on
+the horizon.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The sailors also saw that smoke. The ship came about and headed for
+land. There was a great scurrying about on deck. A boat was lowered; in
+it a great chest was placed. Men bent to the oars; pulled rapidly to
+the very point where Tarzan crouched, hidden in a tree.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Beaching the boat, the men lifted out the great chest. They argued
+angrily--they quarreled, and a sailor buried his pick in the brain of
+the rat-faced man. Digging a deep trench, they buried the treasure with
+the corpse, obliterating all signs. Then they pulled rapidly back to
+the "Arrow."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The smoke on the horizon increased, and the sailors lost no time
+in getting under full sail. Tarzan, an interested spectator, sat
+speculating on the strange actions. He wondered what the chest
+contained. Dropping to the ground he found a spade and began digging
+until he uncovered the body.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+He dragged it from the grave, then unearthed the chest, replacing the
+body and the earth. Four sailors had sweated beneath the burden of that
+chest. Tarzan of the Apes picked it up easily and carried it into the
+densest part of the jungle. He traveled for several hours.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+His brain told him the chest contained valuables. He desired to open
+it, but the iron lock and bands baffled even his strength. So he buried
+it. Darkness settled before he was back in the cabin's vicinity.
+Astonished, he saw the interior of the cabin appear as bright as day.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Within the cabin, lights were burning. Clayton had found an unopened
+tin of oil and lamps, still usable. Tarzan peered within. He saw his
+cabin divided into two rooms, partitioned by boughs and sailcloth. The
+men were reading and talking. He sought the other window. There was the
+girl.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+How beautiful her features--how delicate her snowy skin! She was
+writing at Tarzan's own table. Upon a pile of grasses lay the negress
+asleep. For an hour Tarzan feasted his eyes upon her as she wrote. How
+he longed to speak to her. At length she arose, leaving her manuscript.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+She went to the bed, loosened her soft mass of golden hair. Below her
+waist it tumbled. Tarzan was spellbound! Then she extinguished the lamp
+and all within was darkness. Still Tarzan watched. Creeping close he
+waited, listening. At last she was asleep. Cautiously he intruded his
+arm within the cabin.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Carefully he felt upon the desk. At last he grasped the manuscript Jane
+had been writing. Cautiously he withdrew it. Tarzan folded the precious
+sheets into a small parcel, tucking them into his arrow quiver. Then he
+melted away into the jungle as softly and as noiselessly as a shadow.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan awoke early. His first thought was of that writing, hidden
+in his quiver. How he hoped he could read what the beautiful girl
+had written. Tarzan suffered a bitter disappointment, baffled by the
+strange writing. Long he pored over it. Finally he recognized the
+letters. His heart leaped for joy.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Slowly Tarzan deciphered Jane's letter. It was to a friend in America.
+In it she narrated their strange experiences. How her father had
+come into possession of an old Spanish manuscript telling of buried
+treasure; how they had finally found it; how it had brought misfortune
+to them, and of Tarzan.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan sat long in a brown study after reading the letter. He couldn't
+understand much of the new and wonderful things it told of. He wrote
+beneath Jane's signature "I am Tarzan of the Apes." Next morning
+she found her missing letter in the exact spot from which it had
+disappeared.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+A cold, clammy chill ran up her spine as she saw the printed words. But
+as days passed without mishap, her fears calmed. Unseen by them, Tarzan
+left offerings of food at the cabin. He told himself that one day he
+would venture into the camp and talk with them.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+A month passed before Tarzan visited the camp by daylight. He found all
+gone. His golden-haired divinity had vanished! So he printed a message
+for her.... "I WANT YOU.... I AM YOURS.... KNOW THAT TARZAN OF THE APES
+LOVES YOU." Suddenly his keen ears heard a familiar sound.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+It was the passing of a great ape through the forest. For an instant he
+listened intently. Then from the jungle came the agonized scream of a
+woman, and Tarzan of the Apes, dropping his first love letter upon the
+ground, shot like a panther into the forest.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+After Tarzan left the tribe of apes, it was torn by continual strife
+and confusion. Terkoz, now their king, proved a cruel and capricious
+leader. In desperation the apes decided to turn him out. So one day as
+he returned to the tribe, five huge, hairy beasts sprang upon him.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+At heart Terkoz was a coward. So he did not remain to fight and die.
+Tearing himself away, he fled, foaming with rage and hatred, into the
+jungle. Several days he wandered aimlessly. Swinging from tree to tree,
+this horrible, man-like beast came suddenly upon the two women.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+He was right above when Jane saw him, his awful face thrust within a
+foot of her. One piercing scream escaped her ere the brute had clutched
+her arm. Then another mood seized him. He leaped into the trees,
+bearing Jane to a fate a thousand times worse than death.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Jane did not once lose consciousness as she was borne farther into the
+impenetrable jungle. The scream that brought Clayton stumbling through
+the underbrush had led Tarzan of the Apes straight to where lay the
+fainting Esmeralda. His ape training told him plainly the whole story.
+He instantly gave chase.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+On he sped in the track of Terkoz and his prey. Terkoz heard and was
+spurred to greater effort. Three miles were covered before Tarzan
+overtook them. Seeing flight was futile, Terkoz dropped groundward.
+Tarzan bounded like a leopard into the open glade. Terkoz turned to
+fight for his prize.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Like two charging bulls they came together, and like two wolves they
+sought each other's throat. Jane, her lithe young figure flattened
+against a tree trunk, hands pressed tight against her bosom, and eyes
+wide with mingled horror, fascination, fear, and admiration, watched
+ape and ape-man battle for possession of her.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The great muscles of Tarzan's back and shoulders knotted beneath the
+tension of his efforts. His huge biceps and forearm held at bay those
+mighty tusks. The long knife drank deep a dozen times of Terkoz's life
+blood. Then the great carcass rolled lifeless upon the ground.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The veil of centuries of civilization and culture was swept from Jane!
+It was a primeval woman who sprang forward with outstretched arms
+toward the primeval man who had fought for her and won her.... And
+Tarzan took his woman in his arms and smothered her upturned, panting
+lips with kisses.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Suddenly her face suffused with scarlet blushes. She thrust Tarzan of
+the Apes from her and buried her face in her hands. He came close again
+and took hold of her. She turned like a tigress, striking his great
+breast with her tiny hands. Tarzan could not understand it.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+A moment before Tarzan had intended to hasten Jane back to her people.
+That moment was lost. He had felt a warm, lithe form pressed close to
+his. Again he sought her ... again she repulsed him. _Then Tarzan took
+his woman in his arms and carried her into the jungle._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Early the following morning, the men in the cabin were awakened by
+the booming of a cannon. Clayton rushed out and saw two vessels lying
+in the harbor. One was the "Arrow"--the other a small French cruiser.
+Quickly he ran to light the pile of wood he kept in readiness.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Before the flames arose. Clayton saw in consternation the cruiser
+steaming away. Stripping off his shirt, he waved it back and forth
+above him. Now the great column of smoke rose high, attracting the
+attention of the ship's lookout. The cruiser steamed slowly back toward
+shore. A boat was lowered.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+As it beached, a young officer stepped out. Quickly Clayton told their
+story, ending with Jane's abduction. Lieutenant d'Arnot then narrated
+the capture of the "Arrow"; how it had drifted in heavy seas many days,
+without water or food until all but two of the mutineers were dead.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The sight that met the Frenchman's eyes as they clambered over the
+ship's side was appalling! Dead and dying rolled upon the pitching
+deck. Two of the corpses appeared partially devoured. Hunger had
+changed the mutineers to wild beasts. The sole survivor told the whole
+ghastly tale to the French commander.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The cruiser then sought the little camp. By the time the two parties
+had narrated their several adventures, the cruiser's boat returned with
+supplies and arms. With twenty sailors, they set off upon that hopeless
+and ill-fated quest into the untracked jungle to find the stolen girl.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Jane realized she was being borne away a captive. She struggled
+desperately. But Tarzan's strong arms held her more tightly. Once
+he looked down into her eyes and smiled. The face above her was of
+extraordinary beauty. Presently he took to the trees. On and on they
+went for many miles.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Now they had come to their destination. In his strong arms Tarzan
+placed her softly upon the green turf. She noted his magnificent figure
+towering above her, its perfect symmetry, the poise of his fine head
+upon his broad shoulders. Surely his purpose could not be base or
+cruel.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+With a bound Tarzan sprang into the trees and disappeared. Had he left
+her there to her fate in the lonely jungle?... She heard a sudden,
+slight sound!... There stood Tarzan, his arms filled with luscious,
+ripe fruit. He stroked her hair and tried to comfort and quiet her.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The last few hours had taught her to trust this strange, wild creature.
+It commenced to dawn upon her that she had, possibly, learned something
+she had never really known before--LOVE. She wondered--and then she
+smiled.... And still smiling, she pushed Tarzan gently away, pointing
+to the food.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Together, in silence they ate. He made a little bower of boughs and
+grasses. Then he did the only thing he knew to assure Jane of her
+safety. He handed her his knife--motioning her to sleep. She entered,
+while Tarzan stretched himself upon the ground across the entrance.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The rising sun found them still separated. A great wonderment rose in
+Jane's heart. Though she had been in such terrible danger, yet she was
+unharmed. She moved to the entrance and Tarzan's lithe form dropped
+lightly from a near-by tree, his face lighted with a smile.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Jane's heart beat faster. She could not understand it. They finished
+breakfast. The magnificent diamond locket hanging about Tarzan's neck
+was a source of much wonderment to Jane. She pointed to it and Tarzan
+removed and handed it to her. Opening it, she beheld the likeness of
+Lord and Lady Greystoke.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+She concluded this wild creature had simply found the locket in the
+cabin. But she could not account for the strange likeness between Lord
+Greystoke and this forest-god. Tarzan placed the locket about her neck.
+Protesting, she would have removed it, but he held her hands tightly.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Motioning her to follow him, Tarzan walked toward the trees. Taking her
+in one strong arm, he swung to the branches above. The ardor of his
+first fierce passion had cooled. He knew _why_ the ape had not killed
+Jane. But _he_ must not be guided by the laws of beasts.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+It was nearly sunset when they came to the clearing. Tarzan parted the
+tall jungle grass. There stood the cabin. He turned to leave her. Then
+she threw her arms about his neck and kissed him, unashamed. "I love
+you," she murmured. "I shall wait for you--always." He was gone.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The little expedition searching for Jane pushed their way slowly
+through the tangled jungle. Lieutenant d'Arnot was in the lead, a
+hundred yards in advance. Suddenly six black warriors arose about him.
+He gave a warning shout, but before he could draw his revolver he was
+dragged into the jungle.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Alarmed, the sailors came running to the scene. A volley of arrows fell
+among them. They answered with their rifles, shooting toward their
+concealed enemies. After a terrific hand-to-hand fight, leaving many
+dead on both sides, the natives fled, taking Lieutenant d'Arnot with
+them to their village.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Arriving there at dusk, a great throng rushed out to meet them. Then
+began for the French officer the most terrifying experience that man
+can encounter--the reception of a white prisoner into a village of
+African cannibals. They fell upon him, beating him with merciless
+blows, tearing his clothes away.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+D'Arnot was bound securely to a great post. The women fetched pots and
+water; others built a row of fires. He watched them, half-fainting with
+pain, but not once did he cry out. The dance of death commenced to
+circle around the doomed officer, moving nearer and nearer.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+He saw the bestial faces, daubed with color, the shining, naked bodies,
+the cruel spears. Another spear, then another, touched him. He felt the
+hot trickling blood.... He set his teeth ... he would show these beasts
+how an officer and a gentleman died.... Suddenly they halted ... as
+though turned to stone.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan of the Apes needed no interpreter to translate the story of
+those distant shots. With incredible rapidity he was swinging through
+the trees straight toward the savages' village. White men, men of his
+own race, might even now be suffering the agonies of torture. On he
+sped.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Presently he caught the reflection of a distant blaze. Ah--he was
+not quite too late! The death blow had not been struck. From the
+nearest tree Tarzan coiled his rope. Then there arose suddenly above
+the fiendish cries of the dancing demons, the awful challenge of the
+ape-man.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The rope sped with singing whir above the blacks' heads. A huge fellow
+lunged backward; struggling and shrieking, his body moved toward the
+trees. Then straight into the air, disappearing into the foliage.
+The blacks, screaming with fright, raced madly for the village gate.
+D'Arnot was left alone!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Now from the trees came a crash and the black came sprawling to earth
+again, to lie quietly where he had fallen. Immediately after came a
+white body, alighting erect. D'Arnot saw a clean-limbed young giant
+emerge and come quickly to him.... Some new creature of torture,
+doubtless.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Without a word Tarzan of the Apes cut the bonds that held the
+Frenchman. Weak from suffering and loss of blood, he would have fallen
+but for the strong arm that caught him. He felt himself lifted from the
+ground. There was a sensation as of flying. Then he lost consciousness.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+When d'Arnot regained consciousness, he found himself lying in a little
+shelter of boughs. Soon he recalled the whole hideous scene at the
+stake; the strange white figure carrying him away. What fate lay in
+store for him now?... Outside the hut he saw the squatting figure of a
+man.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+He called faintly. The man crawled in. D'Arnot spoke to him in French,
+then English, but he shook his handsome head. After examining d'Arnot's
+wounds he disappeared, coming back with fruit, water, pieces of smooth
+bark, and a pencil. Squatting beside d'Arnot, he wrote, handing the
+message to the Frenchman.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+D'Arnot read with astonishment: I am Tarzan of the Apes. Who are you?
+So d'Arnot wrote in English, about himself. Thus conversing, he learned
+the story of the fight and found Jane was safe. Then for three days he
+was in a delirium. Tarzan feared to leave him long.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Days after, d'Arnot very weak, but recovering, sat conversing with
+Tarzan by means of the smooth bark. He wrote: What can I do to repay
+you? Tarzan replied: Teach me to speak the language of men. Slowly he
+taught him to speak in French. Tarzan was a very eager student.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Soon Tarzan asked d'Arnot if he felt strong enough to be carried back
+to the cabin. Both were anxious to go, longing to see Jane again.
+D'Arnot wrote: You cannot carry me all that distance. "That's easy,"
+Tarzan laughed. So they set out. Mid-afternoon, they arrived. _The
+cabin was deserted._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The men turned and looked at one another. D'Arnot knew that his people
+thought him dead, but Tarzan thought only of the woman who had kissed
+him in love, then fled. A great bitterness rose in his heart. He would
+go far into the jungle and rejoin his tribe.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+As Tarzan stood on the threshold brooding, d'Arnot entered the cabin.
+He found many comforts left behind. There were two notes addressed to
+Tarzan of the Apes. One, in a woman's hand, was sealed. Turning toward
+the door, he found Tarzan gone. He called aloud, but there was no
+response.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+To be left alone in the jungle, a prey to solitude and hopelessness!
+Brave man that he was, d'Arnot was frightened. He closed the cabin
+door.... Far to the east Tarzan was speeding back to his tribe.... But
+he couldn't escape his thought. He should not have deserted one of his
+own people.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+D'Arnot read the unsealed letter to Tarzan. It told how the rescuing
+party had been forced to give up in despair. Also of the gifts they
+were leaving for him, of their eternal gratitude for his protection and
+service and ended: "We sail in an hour--never to return."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+D'Arnot threw himself face downward on the cot.... An hour later he
+started up, listening. Someone at the door... trying to enter.... Dusk
+was falling. His hair rose on his scalp.... He reached for the loaded
+rifle.... Gently the door opened.... Something stood just without....
+And then d'Arnot pulled the trigger.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+With the gun's report, d'Arnot saw a man pitch headlong into the cabin.
+In an instant he realized he had shot his friend and protector, Tarzan
+of the Apes. With a cry of anguish, d'Arnot sprang to the ape-man's
+side, lifted his head, calling Tarzan's name aloud. There was no
+response.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Placing his ear above the man's heart, he heard to his joy its steady
+beating. D'Arnot, relieved, set about bathing Tarzan's face. He saw
+there was an ugly flesh wound. Soon the cool water revived him, and
+d'Arnot explained the terrible mistake. Laughing, Tarzan said: "It is
+nothing. Forget it."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+For a week they did little but rest. Now they could converse quite
+easily in French. Tarzan, heart-broken, read Jane's farewell letter.
+Where was this America to which she had sailed? It took a long time
+for him to understand, even imperfectly, d'Arnot's explanations. He
+resolved to follow and find her.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+So on the following morning they started north along the shore,
+carrying rifles, ammunition, and food. For a month they traveled,
+with no signs of natives, nor were they molested by wild beasts. One
+morning they came to a clearing. In the distance were several buildings
+surrounded by a strong stockade.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan, followed by d'Arnot, struck across the field, his head held
+high, the tropical sun beating on his smooth brown skin. It proved to
+be a French mission. They were welcomed, remaining until black women
+made them clothes to continue their journey. Thus came Tarzan of the
+Apes to the first outpost of civilization.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+During the long trek up the coast, Tarzan had spoken freely of himself
+to d'Arnot, and asked many questions of the world toward which they
+were heading. D'Arnot taught him many of civilization's refinements.
+Tarzan told about the great chest he had seen the sailors bury; how he
+had hidden it.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Once d'Arnot questioned him about his parents, and Tarzan told him of
+Kala, his mother, the great fine ape. D'Arnot looked long and earnestly
+at him. "Tarzan, it is impossible that Kala the ape was your mother.
+You are pure man. Have you no clue to your past?"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan replied: "I have read everything that was in the cabin with the
+exception of one book. Possibly you can read it." He fished the little
+black book from the bottom of his quiver. And d'Arnot read aloud the
+diary of the unfortunate Lord Greystoke, written in French.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+It ended just as Lord Greystoke was struck down by Kerchak, the king
+ape.... "_To-day our little son is six months old. He is sitting beside
+me. Now he has grabbed my pen, and with his ink-begrimed fingers placed
+the seal of his tiny finger-prints upon this page...._"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+And there in the margin were the partially blurred imprints of four
+wee fingers.... Finishing the diary, d'Arnot sat in silence. In his
+mind had sprung the determination to prove a theory. He believed he had
+discovered the key that alone could unlock the mystery of Tarzan of the
+Apes.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Another month and they reached a little river port. Here d'Arnot cabled
+his government for a three months' leave and his banker for funds.
+During their wait the handsome "Monsieur Tarzan" became the wonder of
+both blacks and whites.... A huge native had run amuck and terrorized
+the town.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+On the hotel veranda the black spied Tarzan. With a roar he charged the
+ape-man. Tarzan met the rush; his steel muscles gripped the black wrist
+of the uplifted knife hand, a single wrench left the hand dangling
+below a broken bone. Crying with agony, the fellow ran away. Tarzan
+resumed reading.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Again, Tarzan accepted a challenge. He was to kill a lion
+single-handed. Naked he went into the jungle armed only with knife and
+rope. With his wild-days methods, at last he got the beast. Shouting
+the awesome victory cry, he shouldered the carcass, returned to the
+amazed group, and claimed the reward.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Often Tarzan longed for the freedom of the jungle. But loyalty to
+d'Arnot, the vision of a beautiful face, and the memory of warm kisses
+lured him onward. At length d'Arnot succeeded in chartering a small
+boat, and they set sail down the coast, to dig for the buried treasure.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Arriving, Tarzan, garbed once more in his jungle regalia, set out alone
+for the ape's haunts where lay the treasure. Next day he returned
+bearing the great chest. Three weeks later they boarded a French
+steamer. D'Arnot was taking Tarzan to Paris, nor would he divulge the
+reason for their journey.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+One of the first things d'Arnot did upon their arrival in Paris was
+to arrange to visit a high official of the police department, an
+old friend. He took Tarzan with him. Here was explained to them the
+fascinating science of identifying criminals by finger-prints. Tarzan
+was intensely interested.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan requested that his own finger-prints be taken. This done,
+d'Arnot drew forth a little book, turning to a page where were several
+tiny smudges. Surprised, Tarzan watched, recalling how he had given the
+diary to his friend. Now he realized the meaning of their visit to the
+police bureau!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The answer to his life's riddle lay in those tiny marks! With tense
+nerves Tarzan leaned forward. Was he a pure-blooded white man, the son
+of Lord Greystoke? Or only a half-savage ape-man?... Much depended upon
+the absolute correctness of the comparisons. Several days' delay was
+necessary.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+And now Tarzan was able at last to see the treasure. When the great
+oak, iron-bound chest was forced open, it was found to contain gold
+coin--"doubloons" and "pieces of eight" from pirates' raids along the
+Spanish Main. Tarzan desired to take it intact to America with him.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+What crime, suffering, and sorrow the thing had caused in its bloody
+history! So d'Arnot advised disposing of it forever. When the gold
+was appraised, it brought more than two hundred thousand dollars. And
+now Tarzan was doubly anxious to start upon his way to find Jane in
+America.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+D'Arnot, the only son of an aristocratic French family of wealth, was
+unable to express his gratitude to Tarzan sufficiently. Never could he
+forget those terrible times among the cannibals when Tarzan had saved
+him from being eaten alive. Now he was heart-broken at the thought of
+parting.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan wished to work his way across the Atlantic. D'Arnot would not
+consent. He had deposited money to Tarzan's credit and had given him a
+fine French motor car. Making him promise to return to Paris, d'Arnot
+reluctantly bid him adieu and wished him "Bon voyage" as Tarzan boarded
+the great liner.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The handsome "Monsieur Tarzan" was a great favorite during the voyage.
+One morning as he watched the dancing spray, he heard a cry "Man
+overboard," and saw a youth slip to the dark waters below. Quick as a
+flash, Tarzan dived after, clasping him almost before the waters closed
+over them.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan became the idol of the ship. It happened that the rescued boy's
+grateful parents knew Jane's father. And so Tarzan easily found his
+way. The day after docking, a big black car stopped at the modest home
+and an black-haired giant leaped happily up the porch.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Our old friend Esmeralda opened the door. "If 'tain't the ape-man," she
+cried, and as usual was about to faint, but excitement prevented her.
+He learned that "Miss Jane had gone up north to be married." It needed
+no further incentive to speed Tarzan over the miles toward Clayton's
+camp.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The lovely Jane had never forgotten her strange experience in the
+African jungle. Nor her handsome forest-god. But many troubles beset
+her. Their depleted fortunes, her father's health, the ardent wooing
+of young Clayton, now an avowed suitor, all worried her. Still loving
+Tarzan, Jane never expected to see him again.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+For her father's sake she had accepted Clayton's invitation to visit
+his hunting-camp. She admired this rich, titled Englishman--but Love
+was another matter. She must decide.... To-day she had wandered far
+into the woods, absorbed in her thoughts. Suddenly to the east she was
+aware of approaching smoke.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+For a week a forest fire had raged near them, but no danger threatened.
+Now she perceived the rushing flames were swiftly forcing their way
+between herself and the cottage. She gave herself up for lost....
+Suddenly she heard a shout ... her name called in a strong, clear
+voice ... a strange one.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+She answered ... saw a figure swing through the smoke. Suddenly she
+felt a great arm about her ... felt herself lifted and borne aloft.
+Jane thought she was living over in a dream the experiences of the far
+African jungle. Would it _were_ he of that other day again saving her!
+But that was impossible.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Yet who else in all the world was there with the strength and agility
+to do what this man was now doing? She stole a sudden glance at the
+face close to hers and then she gave a little frightened gasp. It was
+he ... her man.... TARZAN OF THE APES.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"My Man." Jane must have spoken aloud. The eyes above her lightened
+with a smile. "Yes, 'tis I, Tarzan, come out of the jungle to claim
+you--the woman who run away from me," he added fiercely. They had come
+to a point beyond the fire. The wind had changed.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The fire was burning back upon itself.... He led her to his car....
+Swiftly, silently, they drove campward. Suddenly she exclaimed:
+"Tarzan--oh _why_ did you come back?" "Because I love you," he replied
+happily. "You are mine."... Jane buried her face in her hands and
+sobbed, bitterly.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan was eagerly welcomed when they all assembled at the camp.
+Overwhelming him with gratitude, they voiced their surprise and
+pleasure at seeing their jungle friend again. Long into the night they
+talked, asking questions of Tarzan and reliving those days beside the
+African wild, and what there befell them.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Then the conversation turned to the ill-fated pirates' chest. Tarzan,
+turning to Jane's father, said: "Your treasure has been found, sir!"
+Then he related its history since they had seen it last. Great was
+their amazement, and greater when Tarzan produced the letter of credit
+and gave it to Jane.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan, saying good night, asked the Professor to recall the burial
+from the African cabin. "Were all _three_ human skeletons?" Jane's
+father eyed him narrowly. "No," he replied. "The smallest one--that
+found in the crib--was the skeleton of an anthropoid ape!" "Thank you,"
+said Tarzan quietly. _Dawn was breaking._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+All the following day Jane thought fast and furiously. She had felt the
+purpose for which Tarzan had asked a few words with her. She knew she
+must be prepared to give him her answer. What was it to be? _Did_ she
+love him?... She did not know _now_.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+She realized the spell that had been upon her in the depths of the
+far-off jungle. Here there was no spell of enchantment. Nor did this
+immaculate young Frenchman appeal to the primal woman in her as had the
+stalwart forest-god. Why, he had not even a name!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+She thought of Clayton. Here was a man of social position, culture,
+and wealth. She knew his was the sort of love a civilized woman should
+crave. Clayton sought her in the garden. "Won't you say Yes, Jane?" he
+pleaded. "I will devote my life to making you happy." What could she
+say?
+
+[Illustration]
+
+That evening Tarzan caught Jane alone. For the first time she realized
+the depths of his love. "You do not love me then?" Tarzan asked
+quietly. She was miserably silent.... "You will be happier without me,"
+came her faint reply. "Civilization will bore you. Soon you will long
+for freedom."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"I'd rather see you happy than be happy myself. I know now you couldn't
+be happy with--an Ape." Bitterness tinged his voice. "Don't say that!"
+she cried. "You don't understand.... Forgive me, for I may never
+see you again."... Tarzan heard his name called. Unmindful, he felt
+something pressed into his hand.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan held in his hand a cablegram from Paris. He tore it open,
+almost dreading to know its contents. The message was from his
+friend, d'Arnot. It read: "Finger-prints prove you Lord Greystoke.
+Congratulations." At last he knew the truth. The mystery was solved.
+His great chest heaved with emotion.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan turned toward the window. But he saw nothing without. Instead in
+his mind's eye he beheld a patch of greensward in the African jungle
+matted with tropical plants and flowers. Above, the waving foliage of
+mighty trees and over all the blue of an equatorial sky! It was HOME.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+A lovely girl sat upon a mound of earth. Beside her was a young giant.
+They ate pleasant fruit and looked into each other's eyes and smiled.
+They were very happy--and they were all alone. He heard her voice....
+"I hope your message bears no bad news?" Jane asked gently.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Tarzan came to with a start. He looked toward Clayton, the man who had
+Tarzan's title and estates. He was going to marry the woman Tarzan
+loved. One word from Tarzan would take them all from him ... AND JANE!
+Tarzan made his decision, made his noble act of self-renunciation.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Then he answered Jane. "It means I must return to Africa." He heard her
+half-choked sob.... "We owe you our lives," said Clayton humbly....
+"How'd you get into that bally jungle, anyway?"... "I was born there,"
+said Tarzan quietly.... "My mother was an ape.... I never _knew who my
+father was_!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+                     EDGAR RICE BURROUGH'S NOVELS
+
+                  May be had wherever books are sold.
+                   Ask for Grosset and Dunlap's list
+
+
+                          THE OUTLAW OF TORN
+                      TARZAN AND THE GOLDEN LION
+                             THE MAD KING
+                             THE MOON MAID
+                           THE ETERNAL LOVER
+                       THE BANDIT OF HELL'S BEND
+                             THE CAVE GIRL
+                       THE LAND THAT TIME FORGOT
+                          TARZAN OF THE APES
+                     TARZAN AND THE JEWELS OF OPAR
+                        TARZAN AND THE ANT MEN
+                          TARZAN THE TERRIBLE
+                          TARZAN THE UNTAMED
+                         THE BEASTS OF TARZAN
+                         THE RETURN OF TARZAN
+                           THE SON OF TARZAN
+                        JUNGLE TALES OF TARZAN
+                          AT THE EARTH'S CORE
+                              PELLUCIDAR
+                              THE MUCKER
+                          A PRINCESS OF MARS
+                           THE GODS OF MARS
+                          THE WARLORD OF MARS
+                         THUVIA, MAID OF MARS
+                         THE CHESSMEN OF MARS
+
+
+               GROSSET & DUNLAP, _Publishers_, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 75817 ***