_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]