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