第3章

Runningalongbendinglimbs，swingingfromonetreetoanother，theape-manracedthroughthemiddleterracestowardthesoundswhichnowhadriseninvolumetodeafeningproportions。FromalldirectionstheapesofKerchakwerehurryinginresponsetotheappealinthetonesofthebaluanditsmother，andastheycame，theirroarsreverberatedthroughtheforest。

ButTarzan，swifterthanhisheavyfellows，distancedthemall。

Itwashewhowasfirstuponthescene。Whathesawsentacoldchillthroughhisgiantframe，fortheenemywasthemosthatedandloathedofallthejunglecreatures。

TwinedinagreattreewasHistah，thesnake——huge，ponderous，slimy——andinthefoldsofitsdeadlyembracewasTeeka’slittlebalu，Gazan。NothinginthejungleinspiredwithinthebreastofTarzansonearasemblancetofearasdidthehideousHistah。Theapes，too，loathedtheterrifyingreptileandfearedhimevenmorethantheydidSheeta，thepanther，orNuma，thelion。OfalltheirenemiestherewasnonetheygaveawiderberththantheygaveHistah，thesnake。

TarzanknewthatTeekawaspeculiarlyfearfulofthissilent，repulsivefoe，andasthescenebrokeuponhisvision，itwastheactionofTeekawhichfilledhimwiththegreatestwonder，foratthemomentthathesawher，theshe-apeleapedupontheglisteningbodyofthesnake，andasthemightyfoldsencircledheraswellasheroffspring，shemadenoefforttoescape，butinsteadgraspedthewrithingbodyinafutileefforttotearitfromherscreamingbalu。

Tarzanknewalltoowellhowdeep-rootedwasTeeka’sterrorofHistah。Hescarcecouldbelievethetestimonyofhisowneyesthen，whentheytoldhimthatshehadvoluntarilyrushedintothatdeadlyembrace。NorwasTeeka’sinnatedreadofthemonstermuchgreaterthanTarzan’sown。

Never，willingly，hadhetouchedasnake。Why，hecouldnotsay，forhewouldadmitfearofnothing；norwasitfear，butratheraninherentrepulsionbequeathedtohimbymanygenerationsofcivilizedancestors，andbackofthem，perhaps，bycountlessmyriadsofsuchasTeeka，inthebreastsofeachofwhichhadlurkedthesamenamelessterroroftheslimyreptile。

YetTarzandidnothesitatemorethanhadTeeka，butleapeduponHistahwithallthespeedandimpetuositythathewouldhaveshownhadhebeenspringinguponBara，thedeer，tomakeakillforfood。Thusbesetthesnakewrithedandtwistedhorribly；butnotforaninstantdiditlooseitsholduponanyofitsintendedvictims，forithadincludedtheape-maninitscoldembracetheminutethathehadfallenuponit。

Stillclingingtothetree，themightyreptileheldthethreeasthoughtheyhadbeenwithoutweight，thewhileitsoughttocrushthelifefromthem。

Tarzanhaddrawnhisknifeandthishenowplungedrapidlyintothebodyoftheenemy；buttheencirclingfoldspromisedtosaphislifebeforehehadinflictedadeathwounduponthesnake。Yetonhefought，noroncedidheseektoescapethehorriddeaththatconfrontedhim——hissoleaimwastoslayHistahandthusfreeTeekaandherbalu。

Thegreat，wide-gapingjawsofthesnaketurnedandhoveredabovehim。Theelasticmaw，whichcouldaccommodatearabbitorahornedbuckwithequalfacility，yawnedforhim；

butHistah，inturninghisattentionupontheape-man，broughthisheadwithinreachofTarzan’sblade。Instantlyabrownhandleapedforthandseizedthemottledneck，andanotherdrovetheheavyhuntingknifetothehiltintothelittlebrain。

ConvulsivelyHistahshudderedandrelaxed，tensedandrelaxedagain，whippingandstrikingwithhisgreatbody；

butnolongersentientorsensible。Histahwasdead，butinhisdeaththroeshemighteasilydispatchadozenapesormen。

QuicklyTarzanseizedTeekaanddraggedherfromtheloosenedembrace，droppinghertothegroundbeneath，thenheextricatedthebaluandtossedittoitsmother。

StillHistahwhippedabout，clingingtotheape-man；

butafteradozeneffortsTarzansucceededinwrigglingfreeandleapingtothegroundoutofrangeofthemightybatteringofthedyingsnake。

Acircleofapessurroundedthesceneofthebattle；

butthemomentthatTarzanbrokesafelyfromtheenemytheyturnedsilentlyawaytoresumetheirinterruptedfeeding，andTeekaturnedwiththem，apparentlyforgetfulofallbutherbaluandthefactthatwhentheinterruptionhadoccurredshejusthaddiscoveredaningeniouslyhiddennestcontainingthreeperfectlygoodeggs。

Tarzan，equallyindifferenttoabattlethatwasover，merelycastapartingglanceatthestillwrithingbodyofHistahandwanderedofftowardthelittlepoolwhichservedtowaterthetribeatthispoint。

Strangely，hedidnotgivethevictorycryoverthevanquishedHistah。Why，hecouldnothavetoldyou，otherthanthattohimHistahwasnotananimal。

Hedifferedinsomepeculiarwayfromtheotherdenizensofthejungle。Tarzanonlyknewthathehatedhim。

AtthepoolTarzandrankhisfillandlaystretcheduponthesoftgrassbeneaththeshadeofatree。

HismindrevertedtothebattlewithHistah，thesnake。

ItseemedstrangetohimthatTeekashouldhaveplacedherselfwithinthefoldsofthehorridmonster。

Whyhadshedoneit？Why，indeed，hadhe？Teekadidnotbelongtohim，nordidTeeka’sbalu。TheywerebothTaug’s。Whythenhadhedonethisthing？Histahwasnotfoodforhimwhenhewasdead。ThereseemedtoTarzan，nowthathegavethematterthought，noreasonintheworldwhyheshouldhavedonethethinghedid，andpresentlyitoccurredtohimthathehadactedalmostinvoluntarily，justashehadactedwhenhehadreleasedtheoldGomanganithepreviousevening。

Whatmadehimdosuchthings？Somebodymorepowerfulthanhemustforcehimtoactattimes。"All-powerful，"thoughtTarzan。

"ThelittlebugssaythatGodisall-powerful。ItmustbethatGodmademedothesethings，forIneverdidthembymyself。ItwasGodwhomadeTeekarushuponHistah。

TeekawouldnevergonearHistahofherownvolition。

ItwasGodwhoheldmyknifefromthethroatoftheoldGomangani。Godaccomplishesstrangethingsforheis’all-powerful。’IcannotseeHim；butIknowthatitmustbeGodwhodoesthesethings。NoMangani，noGomangani，noTarmanganicoulddothem。"

Andtheflowers——whomadethemgrow？Ah，nowitwasallexplained——theflowers，thetrees，themoon，thesun，himself，everylivingcreatureinthejungle——theywereallmadebyGodoutofnothing。

AndwhatwasGod？WhatdidGodlooklike？Ofthathehadnoconception；buthewassurethateverythingthatwasgoodcamefromGod。Hisgoodactinrefrainingfromslayingthepoor，defenselessoldGomangani；Teeka’slovethathadhurledherintotheembraceofdeath；hisownloyaltytoTeekawhichhadjeopardizedhislifethatshemightlive。

Theflowersandthetreesweregoodandbeautiful。

Godhadmadethem。Hemadetheothercreatures，too，thateachmighthavefooduponwhichtolive。

HehadmadeSheeta，thepanther，withhisbeautifulcoat；

andNuma，thelion，withhisnobleheadandhisshaggymane。

HehadmadeBara，thedeer，lovelyandgraceful。

Yes，TarzanhadfoundGod，andhespentthewholedayinattributingtoHimallofthegoodandbeautifulthingsofnature；buttherewasonethingwhichtroubledhim。

Hecouldnotquitereconcileittohisconceptionofhisnew-foundGod。

WhomadeHistah，thesnake？

5

TarzanandtheBlackBoyTARZANOFTHEApessatatthefootofagreattreebraidinganewgrassrope。Besidehimlaythefrayedremnantsoftheoldone，tornandseveredbythefangsandtalonsofSheeta，thepanther。Onlyhalftheoriginalropewasthere，thebalancehavingbeencarriedoffbytheangrycatasheboundedawaythroughthejunglewiththenoosestillabouthissavageneckandthelooseenddraggingamongtheunderbrush。

TarzansmiledasherecalledSheeta’sgreatrage，hisfranticeffortstofreehimselffromtheentanglingstrands，hisuncannyscreamsthatwereparthate，partanger，partterror。Hesmiledinretrospectionatthediscomfitureofhisenemy，andinanticipationofanotherdayasheaddedanextrastrandtohisnewrope。

Thiswouldbethestrongest，theheaviestropethatTarzanoftheApeseverhadfashioned。VisionsofNuma，thelion，strainingfutilelyinitsembracethrilledtheape-man。Hewasquitecontent，forhishandsandhisbrainwerebusy。

Content，too，werehisfellowsofthetribeofKerchak，searchingforfoodintheclearingandthesurroundingtreesabouthim。Noperplexingthoughtsofthefutureburdenedtheirminds，andonlyoccasionally，dimlyaroserecollectionsofthenearpast。Theywerestimulatedtoaspeciesofbrutalcontentbythedelectablebusinessoffillingtheirbellies。Afterwardtheywouldsleep——itwastheirlife，andtheyenjoyeditasweenjoyours，youandI——asTarzanenjoyedhis。Possiblytheyenjoyedtheirsmorethanweenjoyours，forwhoshallsaythatthebeastsofthejungledonotbetterfulfillthepurposesforwhichtheyarecreatedthandoesmanwithhismanyexcursionsintostrangefieldsandhiscontraventionsofthelawsofnature？Andwhatgivesgreatercontentandgreaterhappinessthanthefulfillingofadestiny？

AsTarzanworked，Gazan，Teeka’slittlebalu，playedabouthimwhileTeekasoughtfoodupontheoppositesideoftheclearing。NomoredidTeeka，themother，orTaug，thesullensire，harborsuspicionsofTarzan’sintentionstowardtheirfirst-born。HadhenotcourteddeathtosavetheirGazanfromthefangsandtalonsofSheeta？DidhenotfondleandcuddlethelittleonewithevenasgreatashowofaffectionasTeekaherselfdisplayed？TheirfearswereallayedandTarzannowfoundhimselfoftenintheroleofnursemaidtoatinyanthropoid——anavocationwhichhefoundbynomeansirksome，sinceGazanwasanever-failingfountofsurprisesandentertainment。

Justnowtheapelingwasdevelopingthosearborealtendencieswhichweretostandhiminsuchgoodsteadduringtheyearsofhisyouth，whenrapidflightintotheupperterraceswasoffarmoreimportanceandvaluethanhisundevelopedmusclesanduntriedfightingfangs。

BackingofffifteenortwentyfeetfromtheboleofthetreebeneaththebranchesofwhichTarzanworkeduponhisrope，Gazanscamperedquicklyforward，scramblingnimblyupwardtothelowerlimbs。Herehewouldsquatforamomentortwo，quiteproudofhisachievement，thenclambertothegroundagainandrepeat。Sometimes，quiteofteninfact，forhewasanape，hisattentionwasdistractedbyotherthings，abeetle，acaterpillar，atinyfieldmouse，andoffhewouldgoinpursuit；thecaterpillarshealwayscaught，andsometimesthebeetles；butthefieldmice，never。

NowhediscoveredthetailoftheropeuponwhichTarzanwasworking。Graspingitinonesmallhandhebouncedaway，foralltheworldlikeananimatedrubberball，snatchingitfromtheape-man’shandandrunningoffacrosstheclearing。

Tarzanleapedtohisfeetandwasinpursuitinaninstant，notraceofangeronhisfaceorinhisvoiceashecalledtotheroguishlittlebalutodrophisrope。

StraighttowardhismotherracedGazan，andafterhimcameTarzan。Teekalookedupfromherfeeding，andinthefirstinstantthatsherealizedthatGazanwasfleeingandthatanotherwasinpursuit，shebaredherfangsandbristled；

butwhenshesawthatthepursuerwasTarzansheturnedbacktothebusinessthathadbeenoccupyingherattention。

Atherveryfeettheape-manoverhauledthebaluand，thoughtheyoungstersquealedandfoughtwhenTarzanseizedhim，Teekaonlyglancedcasuallyintheirdirection。

Nolongerdidshefearharmtoherfirst-bornatthehandsoftheape-man。HadhenotsavedGazanontwooccasions？

Rescuinghisrope，Tarzanreturnedtohistreeandresumedhislabor；butthereafteritwasnecessarytowatchcarefullytheplayfulbalu，whowasnowpossessedtostealitwheneverhethoughthisgreat，smooth-skinnedcousinwasmomentarilyoffhisguard。

ButevenunderthishandicapTarzanfinallycompletedtherope，along，pliantweapon，strongerthananyheeverhadmadebefore。ThediscardedpieceofhisformeronehegavetoGazanforaplaything，forTarzanhaditinhismindtoinstructTeeka’sbaluafterideasofhisownwhentheyoungstershouldbeoldandstrongenoughtoprofitbyhisprecepts。Atpresentthelittleape’sinnateaptitudeformimicrywouldbesufficienttofamiliarizehimwithTarzan’swaysandweapons，andsotheape-manswungoffintothejungle，hisnewropecoiledoveroneshoulder，whilelittleGazanhoppedabouttheclearingdraggingtheoldoneafterhiminchildishglee。

AsTarzantraveled，dividinghisquestforfoodwithoneforasufficientlynoblequarrywhereupontotesthisnewweapon，hismindoftenwasuponGazan。Theape-manhadrealizedadeepaffectionforTeeka’sbalualmostfromthefirst，partlybecausethechildbelongedtoTeeka，hisfirstlove，andpartlyforthelittleape’sownsake，andTarzan’shumanlongingforsomesentientcreatureuponwhichtoexpendthosenaturalaffectionsofthesoulwhichareinherenttoallnormalmembersoftheGENUS

HOMO。TarzanenviedTeeka。ItwastruethatGazanevidencedaconsiderablereciprocationofTarzan’sfondnessforhim，evenpreferringhimtohisownsurlysire；

buttoTeekathelittleoneturnedwheninpainorterror，whentiredorhungry。ThenitwasthatTarzanfeltquitealoneintheworldandlongeddesperatelyforonewhoshouldturnfirsttohimforsuccorandprotection。

TaughadTeeka；TeekahadGazan；andnearlyeveryotherbullandcowofthetribeofKerchakhadoneormoretoloveandbywhomtobeloved。OfcourseTarzancouldscarcelyformulatethethoughtinpreciselythisway——heonlyknewthathecravedsomethingwhichwasdeniedhim；

somethingwhichseemedtoberepresentedbythoserelationswhichexistedbetweenTeekaandherbalu，andsoheenviedTeekaandlongedforabaluofhisown。

HesawSheetaandhismatewiththeirlittlefamilyofthree；

anddeeperinlandtowardtherockyhills，whereonemightlieupduringtheheatoftheday，inthedenseshadeofatangledthicketcloseunderthecoolfaceofanoverhangingrock，TarzanhadfoundthelairofNuma，thelion，andofSabor，thelioness。Herehehadwatchedthemwiththeirlittlebalus——playfulcreatures，spottedleopard-like。AndhehadseentheyoungfawnwithBara，thedeer，andwithButo，therhinoceros，itsungainlylittleone。Eachofthecreaturesofthejunglehaditsown——exceptTarzan。

Itmadetheape-mansadtothinkuponthisthing，sadandlonely；butpresentlythescentofgameclearedhisyoungmindofallotherconsiderations，ascatlikehecrawledfaroutuponabendinglimbabovethegametrailwhichleddowntotheancientwateringplaceofthewildthingsofthiswildworld。

Howmanythousandsoftimeshadthisgreat，oldlimbbenttothesavageformofsomeblood-thirstyhunterinthelongyearsthatithadspreaditsleafybranchesabovethedeep-wornjunglepath！Tarzan，theape-man，Sheeta，thepanther，andHistah，thesnake，itknewwell。

Theyhadwornsmooththebarkuponitsuppersurface。

TodayitwasHorta，theboar，whichcamedowntowardthewatcherintheoldtree——Horta，theboar，whoseformidabletusksanddiabolicaltemperpreservedhimfromallbutthemostferociousormostfamishedofthelargestcarnivora。

ButtoTarzan，meatwasmeat；naughtthatwasedibleortastymightpassahungryTarzanunchallengedandunattacked。

Inhunger，asinbattle，theape-manout-savagedthedreariestdenizensofthejungle。Heknewneitherfearnormercy，exceptuponrareoccasionswhensomestrange，inexplicableforcestayedhishand——aforceinexplicabletohim，perhaps，becauseofhisignoranceofhisownoriginandofalltheforcesofhumanitarianismandcivilizationthatwerehisrightfulheritagebecauseofthatorigin。

Sotoday，insteadofstayinghishanduntilalessformidablefeastfounditswaytowardhim，TarzandroppedhisnewnooseabouttheneckofHorta，theboar。

Itwasanexcellenttestfortheuntriedstrands。

Theangeredboarboltedthiswayandthat；buteachtimethenewropeheldhimwhereTarzanhadmadeitfastaboutthestemofthetreeabovethebranchfromwhichhehadcastit。

AsHortagruntedandcharged，slashingthesturdyjunglepatriarchwithhismightytusksuntilthebarkflewineverydirection，Tarzandroppedtothegroundbehindhim。

Intheape-man’shandwasthelong，keenbladethathadbeenhisconstantcompanionsincethatdistantdayuponwhichchancehaddirecteditspointintothebodyofBolgani，thegorilla，andsavedthetornandbleedingman-childfromwhatelsehadbeencertaindeath。

TarzanwalkedintowardHorta，whoswungnowtofacehisenemy。Mightyandmuscledaswastheyounggiant，ityetwouldhaveappearedbutthemaddestfollyforhimtofacesoformidableacreatureasHorta，theboar，armedonlywithaslenderhuntingknife。SoitwouldhaveseemedtoonewhoknewHortaevenslightlyandTarzannotatall。

ForamomentHortastoodmotionlessfacingtheape-man。

Hiswicked，deep-seteyesflashedangrily。Heshookhisloweredhead。

"Mud-eater！"jeeredtheape-man。"Wallowerinfilth。

Evenyourmeatstinks，butitisjuicyandmakesTarzanstrong。

TodayIshalleatyourheart，OLordoftheGreatTusks，thatitshallkeepsavagethatwhichpoundsagainstmyownribs。"

Horta，understandingnothingofwhatTarzansaid，wasnonethelessenragedbecauseofthat。Hesawonlyanakedman-thing，hairlessandfutile，pittinghispunyfangsandsoftmusclesagainsthisownindomitablesavagery，andhecharged。

TarzanoftheApeswaiteduntiltheupcutofawickedtuskwouldhavelaidopenhisthigh，thenhemoved——justtheleastbittooneside；butsoquicklythatlightningwasasluggardbycomparison，andashemoved，hestoopedlowandwithallthegreatpowerofhisrightarmdrovethelongbladeofhisfather’shuntingknifestraightintotheheartofHorta，theboar。Aquickleapcarriedhimfromthezoneofthecreature’sdeaththroes，andamomentlaterthehotanddrippingheartofHortawasinhisgrasp。

Hishungersatisfied，Tarzandidnotseekalying-upplaceforsleep，aswassometimeshisway，butcontinuedonthroughthejunglemoreinsearchofadventurethanoffood，fortodayhewasrestless。AndsoitcamethatheturnedhisfootstepstowardthevillageofMbonga，theblackchief，whosepeopleTarzanhadbaitedremorselesslysincethatdayuponwhichKulonga，thechief’sson，hadslainKala。

Ariverwindsclosebesidethevillageoftheblackmen。

TarzanreacheditssidealittlebelowtheclearingwheresquatthethatchedhutsoftheNegroes。Theriverlifewaseverfascinatingtotheape-man。HefoundpleasureinwatchingtheungainlyanticsofDuro，thehippopotamus，andkeensportintormentingthesluggishcrocodile，Gimla，ashebaskedinthesun。Then，too，thereweretheshesandthebalusoftheblackmenoftheGomanganitofrightenastheysquattedbytheriver，thesheswiththeirmeagerwashing，thebaluswiththeirprimitivetoys。

Thisdayhecameuponawomanandherchildfartherdownstreamthanusual。Theformerwassearchingforaspeciesofshellfishwhichwastobefoundinthemudclosetotheriverbank。Shewasayoungblackwomanofaboutthirty。Herteethwerefiledtosharppoints，forherpeopleatethefleshofman。Herunderlipwasslitthatitmightsupportarudependantofcopperwhichshehadwornforsomanyyearsthattheliphadbeendraggeddownwardtoprodigiouslengths，exposingtheteethandgumsofherlowerjaw。Hernose，too，wasslit，andthroughtheslitwasawoodenskewer。Metalornamentsdangledfromherears，anduponherforeheadandcheeks；

uponherchinandthebridgeofhernoseweretattooingsincolorsthatweremellowednowbyage。Shewasnakedexceptforagirdleofgrassesaboutherwaist。

AltogethershewasverybeautifulinherownestimationandevenintheestimationofthemenofMbonga’stribe，thoughshewasofanotherpeople——atrophyofwarseizedinhermaidenhoodbyoneofMbonga’sfightingmen。

Herchildwasaboyoften，lithe，straightand，forablack，handsome。Tarzanlookeduponthetwofromtheconcealingfoliageofanear-bybush。Hewasabouttoleapforthbeforethemwithaterrifyingscream，thathemightenjoythespectacleoftheirterrorandtheirincontinentflight；butofasuddenanewwhimseizedhim。

Herewasabalufashionedashehimselfwasfashioned。

Ofcoursethisone’sskinwasblack；butwhatofit？

Tarzanhadneverseenawhiteman。Insofarasheknew，hewasthesolerepresentativeofthatstrangeformoflifeupontheearth。TheblackboyshouldmakeanexcellentbaluforTarzan，sincehehadnoneofhisown。

Hewouldtendhimcarefully，feedhimwell，protecthimasonlyTarzanoftheApescouldprotecthisown，andteachhimoutofhishalfhuman，halfbestiallorethesecretsofthejunglefromitsrottingsurfacevegetationtothehightossedpinnaclesoftheforest’supperterraces。

***

Tarzanuncoiledhisrope，andshookoutthenoose。

Thetwobeforehim，allignorantofthenearpresenceofthatterrifyingform，continuedpreoccupiedinthesearchforshellfish，pokingaboutinthemudwithshortsticks。

Tarzansteppedfromthejunglebehindthem；hisnooselayopenuponthegroundbesidehim。Therewasaquickmovementoftherightarmandthenooserosegracefullyintotheair，hoveredaninstantabovetheheadoftheunsuspectingyouth，thensettled。Asitencompassedhisbodybelowtheshoulders，Tarzangaveaquickjerkthattighteneditabouttheboy’sarms，pinioningthemtohissides。Ascreamofterrorbrokefromthelad’slips，andashismotherturned，affrightedathiscry，shesawhimbeingdraggedquicklytowardagreatwhitegiantwhostoodjustbeneaththeshadeofanear-bytree，scarcelyadozenlongpacesfromher。

Withasavagecryofterrorandrage，thewomanleapedfearlesslytowardtheape-man。InhermienTarzansawdeterminationandcouragewhichwouldshrinknotevenfromdeathitself。

Shewasveryhideousandfrightfulevenwhenherfacewasinrepose；butconvulsedbypassion，herexpressionbecameterrifyinglyfiendish。Eventheape-mandrewback，butmoreinrevulsionthanfear——fearheknewnot。

Bitingandkickingwastheblackshe’sbaluasTarzantuckedhimbeneathhisarmandvanishedintothebrancheshanginglowabovehim，justastheinfuriatedmotherdashedforwardtoseizeanddobattlewithhim。Andashemeltedawayintothedepthofthejunglewithhisstillstrugglingprize，hemeditateduponthepossibilitieswhichmightlieintheprowessoftheGomanganiwerethehesasformidableastheshes。

Onceatasafedistancefromthedespoiledmotherandoutofearshotofherscreamsandmenaces，Tarzanpausedtoinspecthisprize，nowsothoroughlyterrorizedthathehadceasedhisstrugglesandhisoutcries。

Thefrightenedchildrolledhiseyesfearfullytowardhiscaptor，untilthewhitesshowedgleamingallabouttheirises。

"IamTarzan，"saidtheape-man，inthevernacularoftheanthropoids。"Iwillnotharmyou。YouaretobeTarzan’sbalu。Tarzanwillprotectyou。Hewillfeedyou。

ThebestinthejungleshallbeforTarzan’sbalu，forTarzanisamightyhunter。Noneneedyoufear，notevenNuma，thelion，forTarzanisamightyfighter。

NonesogreatasTarzan，sonofKala。Donotfear。"

Butthechildonlywhimperedandtrembled，forhedidnotunderstandthetongueofthegreatapes，andthevoiceofTarzansoundedtohimlikethebarkingandgrowlingofabeast。Then，too，hehadheardstoriesofthisbad，whiteforestgod。ItwashewhohadslainKulongaandothersofthewarriorsofMbonga，thechief。

Itwashewhoenteredthevillagestealthily，bymagic，inthedarknessofthenight，tostealarrowsandpoison，andfrightenthewomenandthechildrenandeventhegreatwarriors。Doubtlessthiswickedgodfeduponlittleboys。Hadhismothernotsaidasmuchwhenhewasnaughtyandshethreatenedtogivehimtothewhitegodofthejungleifhewerenotgood？LittleblackTiboshookaswithague。

"Areyoucold，Go-bu-balu？"askedTarzan，usingthesimianequivalentofblackhe-babyinlieuofabettername。

"Thesunishot；whydoyoushiver？"

Tibocouldnotunderstand；buthecriedforhismammaandbeggedthegreat，whitegodtolethimgo，promisingalwaystobeagoodboythereafterifhispleaweregranted。

Tarzanshookhishead。Notawordcouldheunderstand。

Thiswouldneverdo！HemustteachGo-bu-balualanguagewhichsoundedliketalk。ItwasquitecertaintoTarzanthatGo-bu-balu’sspeechwasnottalkatall。Itsoundedquiteassenselessasthechatteringofthesillybirds。

Itwouldbebest，thoughttheape-man，quicklytogethimamongthetribeofKerchakwherehewouldheartheManganitalkingamongthemselves。Thushewouldsoonlearnanintelligibleformofspeech。

Tarzanrosetohisfeetupontheswayingbranchwherehehadhaltedfarabovetheground，andmotionedtothechildtofollowhim；butTiboonlyclungtightlytotheboleofthetreeandwept。Beingaboy，andanativeAfrican，hehad，ofcourse，climbedintotreesmanytimesbeforethis；

buttheideaofracingoffthroughtheforest，leapingfromonebranchtoanother，ashiscaptor，tohishorror，haddonewhenhehadcarriedTiboawayfromhismother，filledhischildishheartwithterror。

Tarzansighed。Hisnewlyacquiredbaluhadmuchindeedtolearn。Itwaspitifulthatabaluofhissizeandstrengthshouldbesobackward。HetriedtocoaxTibotofollowhim；

butthechilddarednot，soTarzanpickedhimupandcarriedhimuponhisback。Tibonolongerscratchedorbit。

Escapeseemedimpossible。Evennow，werehesetupontheground，thechancewasremote，heknew，thathecouldfindhiswaybacktothevillageofMbonga，thechief。

Evenifhecould，therewerethelionsandtheleopardsandthehyenas，anyoneofwhich，asTibowaswellaware，wasparticularlyfondofthemeatoflittleblackboys。

Sofartheterriblewhitegodofthejunglehadofferedhimnoharm。Hecouldnotexpecteventhismuchconsiderationfromthefrightful，green-eyedman-eaters。

Itwouldbethelesseroftwoevils，then，toletthewhitegodcarryhimawaywithoutscratchingandbiting，ashehaddoneatfirst。

AsTarzanswungrapidlythroughthetrees，littleTiboclosedhiseyesinterrorratherthanlooklongerdownintothefrightfulabyssesbeneath。NeverbeforeinallhislifehadTibobeensofrightened，yetasthewhitegiantspedonwithhimthroughtheforesttherestoleoverthechildaninexplicablesensationofsecurityashesawhowtrueweretheleapsoftheape-man，howunerringhisgraspupontheswayinglimbswhichgavehimhand-hold，andthen，too，therewassafetyinthemiddleterracesoftheforest，farabovethereachofthedreadedlions。

AndsoTarzancametotheclearingwherethetribefed，droppingamongthemwithhisnewbaluclingingtightlytohisshoulders。HewasfairlyinthemidstofthembeforeTibospiedasingleoneofthegreathairyforms，orbeforetheapesrealizedthatTarzanwasnotalone。

WhentheysawthelittleGomanganipercheduponhisbacksomeofthemcameforwardincuriositywithupcurledlipsandsnarlingmien。

AnhourbeforelittleTibowouldhavesaidthatheknewtheuttermostdepthsoffear；butnow，ashesawthesefearsomebeastssurroundinghim，herealizedthatallthathadgonebeforewasasnothingbycomparison。

Whydidthegreatwhitegiantstandtheresounconcernedly？

Whydidhenotfleebeforethesehorrid，hairy，treemenfelluponthembothandtorethemtopieces？AndthentherecametoTiboanumbingrecollection。Itwasnoneotherthanthestoryhehadheardpassedfrommouthtomouth，fearfully，bythepeopleofMbonga，thechief，thatthisgreatwhitedemonofthejunglewasnaughtotherthanahairlessape，forhadnothebeenseenincompanywiththese？

Tibocouldonlystareinwide-eyedhorrorattheapproachingapes。Hesawtheirbeetlingbrows，theirgreatfangs，theirwickedeyes。Henotedtheirmightymusclesrollingbeneaththeirshaggyhides。

Theireveryattitudeandexpressionwasamenace。

Tarzansawthis，too。HedrewTiboaroundinfrontofhim。

"ThisisTarzan’sGo-bu-balu，"hesaid。"Donotharmhim，orTarzanwillkillyou，"andhebaredhisownfangsintheteethofthenearestape。

"ItisaGomangani，"repliedtheape。"Letmekillit。

ItisaGomangani。TheGomanganiareourenemies。

Letmekillit。"

"Goaway，"snarledTarzan。"Itellyou，Gunto，itisTarzan’sbalu。GoawayorTarzanwillkillyou，"

andtheape-mantookasteptowardtheadvancingape。

Thelattersidledoff，quitestiffandhaughty，afterthemannerofadogwhichmeetsanotherandistooproudtofightandtoofearfultoturnhisbackandrun。

NextcameTeeka，promptedbycuriosity。AthersideskippedlittleGazan。Theywerefilledwithwonderliketheothers；butTeekadidnotbareherfangs。

Tarzansawthisandmotionedthatsheapproach。

"Tarzanhasabalunow，"hesaid。"HeandTeeka’sbalucanplaytogether。"

"ItisaGomangani，"repliedTeeka。"Itwillkillmybalu。

Takeitaway，Tarzan。"

Tarzanlaughed。"ItcouldnotharmPamba，therat，"

hesaid。"Itisbutalittlebaluandveryfrightened。

LetGazanplaywithit。"

Teekastillwasfearful，forwithalltheirmightyferocitythegreatanthropoidsaretimid；butatlast，assuredbyhergreatconfidenceinTarzan，shepushedGazanforwardtowardthelittleblackboy。Thesmallape，guidedbyinstinct，drewbacktowarditsmother，baringitssmallfangsandscreaminginmingledfearandrage。

Tibo，too，showednosignsofdesiringacloseracquaintancewithGazan，soTarzangaveuphiseffortsforthetime。

Duringtheweekwhichfollowed，Tarzanfoundhistimemuchoccupied。Hisbaluwasagreaterresponsibilitythanhehadcountedupon。Notforamomentdidhedareleaveit，sinceofallthetribe，TeekaalonecouldhavebeendependedupontorefrainfromslayingthehaplessblackhaditnotbeenforTarzan’sconstantwatchfulness。

Whentheape-manhunted，hemustcarryGo-bu-baluaboutwithhim。Itwasirksome，andthenthelittleblackseemedsostupidandfearfultoTarzan。Itwasquitehelplessagainsteventhelesserofthejunglecreatures。

Tarzanwonderedhowithadsurvivedatall。Hetriedtoteachit，andfoundarayofhopeinthefactthatGo-bu-baluhadmasteredafewwordsofthelanguageoftheanthropoids，andthathecouldnowclingtoahigh-tossedbranchwithoutscreaminginfear；buttherewassomethingaboutthechildwhichworriedTarzan。

Heoftenhadwatchedtheblackswithintheirvillage。

Hehadseenthechildrenplaying，andalwaystherehadbeenmuchlaughter；butlittleGo-bu-baluneverlaughed。

ItwastruethatTarzanhimselfneverlaughed。Uponoccasionhesmiled，grimly，buttolaughterhewasastranger。

Theblack，however，shouldhavelaughed，reasonedtheape-man。

ItwasthewayoftheGomangani。

Also，hesawthatthelittlefellowoftenrefusedfoodandwasgrowingthinnerdaybyday。Attimeshesurprisedtheboysobbingsoftlytohimself。Tarzantriedtocomforthim，evenasfierceKalahadcomfortedTarzanwhentheape-manwasabalu，butalltonoavail。

Go-bu-balumerelynolongerfearedTarzan——thatwasall。

Hefearedeveryotherlivingthingwithinthejungle。

Hefearedthejungledayswiththeirlongexcursionsthroughthedizzytreetops。Hefearedthejunglenightswiththeirswaying，perilouscouchesfarabovetheground，andthegruntingandcoughingofthegreatcarnivoraprowlingbeneathhim。

Tarzandidnotknowwhattodo。HisheritageofEnglishbloodrendereditadifficultthingeventoconsiderasurrenderofhisproject，thoughhewasforcedtoadmittohimselfthathisbaluwasnotallthathehadhoped。

Thoughhewasfaithfultohisself-imposedtask，andevenfoundthathehadgrowntolikeGo-bu-balu，hecouldnotdeceivehimselfintobelievingthathefeltforitthatfierceheatofpassionateaffectionwhichTeekarevealedforGazan，andwhichtheblackmotherhadshownforGo-bu-balu。

ThelittleblackboyfromcringingterroratthesightofTarzanpassedbydegreesintotrustfulnessandadmiration。

Onlykindnesshadheeverreceivedatthehandsofthegreatwhitedevil-god，yethehadseenwithwhatferocityhiskindlycaptorcoulddealwithothers。Hehadseenhimleapuponacertainhe-apewhichpersistedinattemptingtoseizeandslayGo-bu-balu。Hehadseenthestrong，whiteteethoftheape-manfastenedintheneckofhisadversary，andthemightymusclestensedinbattle。

Hehadheardthesavage，bestialsnarlsandroarsofcombat，andhehadrealizedwithashudderthathecouldnotdifferentiatebetweenthoseofhisguardianandthoseofthehairyape。

HehadseenTarzanbringdownabuck，justasNuma，thelion，mighthavedone，leapinguponitsbackandfasteninghisfangsinthecreature’sneck。Tibohadshudderedatthesight，buthehadthrilled，too，andforthefirsttimethereenteredhisdull，Negroidmindavaguedesiretoemulatehissavagefosterparent。ButTibo，thelittleblackboy，lackedthedivinesparkwhichhadpermittedTarzan，thewhiteboy，tobenefitbyhistraininginthewaysofthefiercejungle。Inimaginationhewaswanting，andimaginationisbutanothernameforsuper-intelligence。

Imaginationitiswhichbuildsbridges，andcities，andempires。Thebeastsknowitnot，theblacksonlyalittle，whiletooneinahundredthousandofearth’sdominantraceitisgivenasagiftfromheaventhatmanmaynotperishfromtheearth。

WhileTarzanponderedhisproblemconcerningthefutureofhisbalu，Fatewasarrangingtotakethematteroutofhishands。Momaya，Tibo’smother，grief-strickenatthelossofherboy，hadconsultedthetribalwitch-doctor，buttonoavail。Themedicinehemadewasnotgoodmedicine，forthoughMomayapaidhimtwogoatsforit，itdidnotbringbackTibo，norevenindicatewhereshemightsearchforhimwithreasonableassuranceoffindinghim。

Momaya，beingofashorttemperandofanotherpeople，hadlittlerespectforthewitch-doctorofherhusband’stribe，andso，whenhesuggestedthatafurtherpaymentoftwomorefatgoatswoulddoubtlessenablehimtomakestrongermedicine，shepromptlyloosedhershrewishtongueuponhim，andwithsuchgoodeffectthathewasgladtotakehimselfoffwithhiszebra’stailandhispotofmagic。

WhenhehadgoneandMomayahadsucceededinpartiallysubduingheranger，shegaveherselfovertothought，asshesooftenhaddonesincetheabductionofherTibo，inthehopethatshefinallymightdiscoversomefeasiblemeansoflocatinghim，oratleastassuringherselfastowhetherhewerealiveordead。

ItwasknowntotheblacksthatTarzandidnoteatthefleshofman，forhehadslainmorethanoneoftheirnumber，yetnevertastedthefleshofany。Too，thebodiesalwayshadbeenfound，sometimesdroppingasthoughfromthecloudstoalightinthecenterofthevillage。

AsTibo’sbodyhadnotbeenfound，Momayaarguedthathestilllived，butwhere？

ThenitwasthattherecametohermindarecollectionofBukawai，theunclean，whodweltinacaveinthehillsidetothenorth，andwhoitwaswellknownentertaineddevilsinhisevillair。Few，ifany，hadthetemeritytovisitoldBukawai，firstlybecauseoffearofhisblackmagicandthetwohyenaswhodweltwithhimandwerecommonlyknowntobedevilsmasquerading，andsecondlybecauseoftheloathsomediseasewhichhadcausedBukawaitobeanoutcast——adiseasewhichwasslowlyeatingawayhisface。

NowitwasthatMomayareasonedshrewdlythatifanymightknowthewhereaboutsofherTibo，itwouldbeBukawai，whowasinfriendlyintercoursewithgodsanddemons，sinceademonoragoditwaswhohadstolenherbaby；

butevenhergreatmotherlovewassorelytaxedtofindthecouragetosendherforthintotheblackjungletowardthedistanthillsandtheuncannyabodeofBukawai，theunclean，andhisdevils。

Motherlove，however，isoneofthehumanpassionswhichcloselyapproximatestothedignityofanirresistibleforce。Itdrivesthefrailfleshofweakwomentodeedsofheroicmeasure。Momayawasneitherfrailnorweak，physically，butshewasawoman，anignorant，superstitious，Africansavage。Shebelievedindevils，inblackmagic，andinwitchcraft。ToMomaya，thejunglewasinhabitedbyfarmoreterrifyingthingsthanlionsandleopards——horrifying，namelessthingswhichpossessedthepowerofwreakingfrightfulharmundervariousinnocentguises。

Fromoneofthewarriorsofthevillage，whomsheknewtohaveoncestumbleduponthelairofBukawai，themotherofTibolearnedhowshemightfindit——nearaspringofwaterwhichroseinasmallrockycanonbetweentwohills，theeasternmostofwhichwaseasilyrecognizablebecauseofahugegraniteboulderwhichresteduponitssummit。

Thewesterlyhillwaslowerthanitscompanion，andwasquitebareofvegetationexceptforasinglemimosatreewhichgrewjustalittlebelowitssummit。

Thesetwohills，themanassuredher，couldbeseenforsomedistancebeforeshereachedthem，andtogetherformedanexcellentguidetoherdestination。

Hewarnedher，however，toabandonsofoolishanddangerousanadventure，emphasizingwhatshealreadyquitewellknew，thatifsheescapedharmatthehandsofBukawaiandhisdemons，thechanceswerethatshewouldnotbesofortunatewiththegreatcarnivoraofthejunglethroughwhichshemustpassgoingandreturning。

ThewarriorevenwenttoMomaya’shusband，who，inturn，havinglittleauthorityoverthevixenishladyofhischoice，wenttoMbonga，thechief。ThelattersummonedMomaya，threateningherwiththedirestpunishmentshouldsheventureforthuponsounholyanexcursion。Theoldchief’sinterestinthematterwasduesolelytothatage-oldalliancewhichexistsbetweenchurchandstate。

Thelocalwitch-doctor，knowinghisownmedicinebetterthananyotherknewit，wasjealousofallotherpretenderstoaccomplishmentsintheblackart。

HelonghadheardofthepowerofBukawai，andfearedlest，shouldhesucceedinrecoveringMomaya’slostchild，muchofthetribalpatronageandconsequentfeeswouldbedivertedtotheuncleanone。AsMbongareceived，aschief，acertainproportionofthewitch-doctor’sfeesandcouldexpectnothingfromBukawai，hisheartandsoulwere，quitenaturally，wrappedupintheorthodoxchurch。

ButifMomayacouldviewwithintrepidheartanexcursionintothejungleandavisittothefear-hauntedabodeofBukawai，shewasnotlikelytobedeterredbythreatsoffuturepunishmentatthehandsofoldMbonga，whomshesecretlydespised。Yetsheappearedtoaccedetohisinjunctions，returningtoherhutinsilence。

Shewouldhavepreferredstartinguponherquestbyday-light，butthiswasnowoutofthequestion，sinceshemustcarryfoodandaweaponofsomesort——thingswhichshenevercouldpassoutofthevillagewithbydaywithoutbeingsubjectedtocuriousquestioningthatsurelywouldcomeimmediatelytotheearsofMbonga。

SoMomayabidedhertimeuntilnight，andjustbeforethegatesofthevillagewereclosed，sheslippedthroughintothedarknessandthejungle。Shewasmuchfrightened，butshesetherfaceresolutelytowardthenorth，andthoughshepausedoftentolisten，breathlessly，forthehugecatswhich，here，werehergreatestterror，sheneverthelesscontinuedherwaystaunchlyforseveralhours，untilalowmoanalittletoherrightandbehindherbroughthertoasuddenstop。

Withpalpitatingheartthewomanstood，scarcedaringtobreathe，andthen，veryfaintlybutunmistakabletoherkeenears，camethestealthycrunchingoftwigsandgrassesbeneathpaddedfeet。

AllaboutMomayagrewthegianttreesofthetropicaljungle，festoonedwithhangingvinesandmosses。Sheseizeduponthenearestandstartedtoclamber，apelike，tothebranchesabove。Asshedidso，therewasasuddenrushofagreatbodybehindher，amenacingroarthatcausedtheearthtotremble，andsomethingcrashedintotheverycreeperstowhichshewasclinging——butbelowher。

Momayadrewherselftosafetyamongtheleafybranchesandthankedtheforesightwhichhadpromptedhertobringalongthedriedhumanearwhichhungfromacordaboutherneck。

Shealwayshadknownthatthatearwasgoodmedicine。

Ithadbeengivenher，whenagirl，bythewitch-doctorofhertowntribe，andwasnothinglikethepoor，weakmedicineofMbonga’switch-doctor。

AllnightMomayaclungtoherperch，foralthoughthelionsoughtotherpreyafterashorttime，shedarednotdescendintothedarknessagain，forfearshemightencounterhimoranotherofhiskind；butatdaylightsheclambereddownandresumedherway。

TarzanoftheApes，findingthathisbaluneverceasedtogiveevidenceofterrorinthepresenceoftheapesofthetribe，andalsothatmostoftheadultapeswereaconstantmenacetoGo-bu-balu’slife，sothatTarzandarednotleavehimalonewiththem，tooktohuntingwiththelittleblackboyfartherandfartherfromthestampinggroundsoftheanthropoids。

Littlebylittlehisabsencesfromthetribegrewinlengthashewanderedfartherawayfromthem，untilfinallyhefoundhimselfagreaterdistancetothenorththanheeverbeforehadhunted，andwithwaterandamplegameandfruit，hefeltnotatallinclinedtoreturntothetribe。

LittleGo-bu-balugaveevidencesofagreaterinterestinlife，aninterestwhichvariedindirectproportiontothedistancehewasfromtheapesofKerchak。

HenowtrottedalongbehindTarzanwhentheape-manwentupontheground，andinthetreesheevendidhisbesttofollowhismightyfosterparent。Theboywasstillsadandlonely。Histhin，littlebodyhadgrownsteadilythinnersincehehadcomeamongtheapes，forwhile，asayoungcannibal，hewasnotoverniceinthematterofdiet，hefounditnotalwaystohistastetostomachtheweirdthingswhichtickledthepalatesofepicuresamongtheapes。

Hislargeeyeswereverylargeindeednow，hischeekssunken，andeveryribofhisemaciatedbodyplainlydiscernibletowhomsoevershouldcaretocountthem。Constantterror，perhaps，hadhadasmuchtodowithhisphysicalconditionashadimproperfood。Tarzannoticedthechangeandwasworried。

Hehadhopedtoseehisbaluwaxsturdyandstrong。

Hisdisappointmentwasgreat。InonlyonerespectdidGo-bu-baluseemtoprogress——hereadilywasmasteringthelanguageoftheapes。EvennowheandTarzancouldconverseinafairlysatisfactorymannerbysupplementingthemeagerapespeechwithsigns；butforthemostpart，Go-bu-baluwassilentotherthantoanswerquestionsputtohim。Hisgreatsorrowwasyettoonewandtoopoignanttobelaidasideevenmomentarily。AlwayshepinedforMomaya——shrewish，hideous，repulsive，perhaps，shewouldhavebeentoyouorme，buttoTiboshewasmamma，thepersonificationofthatonegreatlovewhichknowsnoselfishnessandwhichdoesnotconsumeitselfinitsownfires。

Asthetwohunted，orratherasTarzanhuntedandGo-bu-balutaggedalonginhiswake，theape-mannoticedmanythingsandthoughtmuch。OncetheycameuponSabormoaninginthetallgrasses。Aboutherrompedandplayedtwolittleballsoffur，buthereyeswereforonewhichlaybetweenhergreatforepawsanddidnotromp，onewhoneverwouldrompagain。

Tarzanreadarighttheanguishandthesufferingofthehugemothercat。Hehadbeenmindedtobaither。Itwastodothisthathehadsneakedsilentlythroughthetreesuntilhehadcomealmostaboveher，butsomethingheldtheape-manashesawthelionessgrievingoverherdeadcub。

WiththeacquisitionofGo-bu-balu，Tarzanhadcometorealizetheresponsibilitiesandsorrowsofparentage，withoutitsjoys。HisheartwentouttoSaborasitmightnothavedoneafewweeksbefore。Ashewatchedher，thererosequiteunbiddenbeforehimavisionofMomaya，theskewerthroughtheseptumofhernose，herpendulousunderlipsaggingbeneaththeweightwhichdraggeditdown。

Tarzansawnotherunloveliness；hesawonlythesameanguishthatwasSabor’s，andhewinced。ThatstrangefunctioningofthemindwhichsometimesiscalledassociationofideassnappedTeekaandGazanbeforetheape-man’smentalvision。

WhatifoneshouldcomeandtakeGazanfromTeeka。

TarzanutteredalowandominousgrowlasthoughGazanwerehisown。Go-bu-baluglancedhereandthereapprehensively，thinkingthatTarzanhadespiedanenemy。Saborsprangsuddenlytoherfeet，heryellow-greeneyesblazing，hertaillashingasshecockedherears，andraisinghermuzzle，sniffedtheairforpossibledanger。

Thetwolittlecubs，whichhadbeenplaying，scamperedquicklytoher，andstandingbeneathher，peeredoutfrombetweenherforelegs，theirbigearsupstanding，theirlittleheadscockedfirstupononesideandthenupontheother。

Withashakeofhisblackshock，Tarzanturnedawayandresumedhishuntinginanotherdirection；butalldaythereroseoneafteranother，abovethethresholdofhisobjectivemind，memoryportraitsofSabor，ofMomaya，andofTeeka——alioness，acannibal，andashe-ape，yettotheape-mantheywereidenticalthroughmotherhood。

ItwasnoonofthethirddaywhenMomayacamewithinsightofthecaveofBukawai，theunclean。Theoldwitch-doctorhadriggedaframeworkofinterlacedboughstoclosethemouthofthecavefrompredatorybeasts。

Thiswasnowsettooneside，andtheblackcavernbeyondyawnedmysteriousandrepellent。Momayashiveredasfromacoldwindoftherainyseason。Nosignoflifeappearedaboutthecave，yetMomayaexperiencedthatuncannysensationasofunseeneyesregardinghermalevolently。

Againsheshuddered。Shetriedtoforceherunwillingfeetonwardtowardthecave，whenfromitsdepthsissuedanuncannysoundthatwasneitherbrutenorhuman，aweirdsoundthatwasakintomirthlesslaughter。

Withastifledscream，Momayaturnedandfledintothejungle。

Forahundredyardssheranbeforeshecouldcontrolherterror，andthenshepaused，listening。Wasallherlabor，werealltheterrorsanddangersthroughwhichshehadpassedtogofornaught？Shetriedtosteelherselftoreturntothecave，butagainfrightovercameher。

Saddened，disheartened，sheturnedslowlyuponthebacktrailtowardthevillageofMbonga。Heryoungshouldersnowweredroopedlikethoseofanoldwomanwhobearsagreatburdenofmanyyearswiththeiraccumulatedpainsandsorrows，andshewalkedwithtiredfeetandahaltingstep。

ThespringofyouthwasgonefromMomaya。

Foranotherhundredyardsshedraggedherwearyway，herbrainhalfparalyzedfromdumbterrorandsuffering，andthentherecametoherthememoryofalittlebabethatsuckledatherbreast，andofaslimboywhoromped，laughing，abouther，andtheywerebothTibo——herTibo！

Hershouldersstraightened。Sheshookhersavagehead，andsheturnedaboutandwalkedboldlybacktothemouthofthecaveofBukawai，theunclean——ofBukawai，thewitch-doctor。

Again，fromtheinteriorofthecavecamethehideouslaughterthatwasnotlaughter。ThistimeMomayarecognizeditforwhatitwas，thestrangecryofahyena。

Nomoredidsheshudder，butsheheldherspearreadyandcalledaloudtoBukawaitocomeout。

InsteadofBukawaicametherepulsiveheadofahyena。

Momayapokedatitwithherspear，andtheugly，sullenbrutedrewbackwithanangrygrowl。AgainMomayacalledBukawaibyname，andthistimetherecameananswerinmumblingtonesthatwerescarcemorehumanthanthoseofthebeast。

"WhocomestoBukawai？"queriedthevoice。

"ItisMomaya，"repliedthewoman；"MomayafromthevillageofMbonga，thechief。

"Whatdoyouwant？"

"Iwantgoodmedicine，bettermedicinethanMbonga’switch-doctorcanmake，"repliedMomaya。"Thegreat，white，junglegodhasstolenmyTibo，andIwantmedicinetobringhimback，ortofindwhereheishiddenthatImaygoandgethim。"

"WhoisTibo？"askedBukawai。

Momayatoldhim。

"Bukawai’smedicineisverystrong，"saidthevoice。

"FivegoatsandanewsleepingmatarescarceenoughinexchangeforBukawai’smedicine。"

"Twogoatsareenough，"saidMomaya，forthespiritofbarterisstronginthebreastsoftheblacks。

ThepleasureofhagglingoverthepricewasasufficientlypotentluretodrawBukawaitothemouthofthecave。

Momayawassorrywhenshesawhimthathehadnotremainedwithin。Therearesomethingstoohorrible，toohideous，toorepulsivefordescription——Bukawai’sfacewasofthese。WhenMomayasawhimsheunderstoodwhyitwasthathewasalmostinarticulate。

Besidehimweretwohyenas，whichrumorhadsaidwerehisonlyandconstantcompanions。Theymadeanexcellenttrio——themostrepulsiveofbeastswiththemostrepulsiveofhumans。

"Fivegoatsandanewsleepingmat，"mumbledBukawai。

"Twofatgoatsandasleepingmat。"Momayaraisedherbid；

butBukawaiwasobdurate。Hestuckforthefivegoatsandthesleepingmatforamatterofhalfanhour，whilethehyenassniffedandgrowledandlaughedhideously。

MomayawasdeterminedtogiveallthatBukawaiaskedifshecoulddonobetter，buthagglingissecondnaturetoblackbarterers，andintheenditpartlyrepaidher，foracompromisefinallywasreachedwhichincludedthreefatgoats，anewsleepingmat，andapieceofcopperwire。

"Comebacktonight，"saidBukawai，"whenthemoonistwohoursinthesky。ThenwillImakethestrongmedicinewhichshallbringTibobacktoyou。Bringwithyouthethreefatgoats，thenewsleepingmat，andthepieceofcopperwirethelengthofalargeman’sforearm。"

"Icannotbringthem，"saidMomaya。"Youwillhavetocomeafterthem。WhenyouhaverestoredTibotome，youshallhavethemallatthevillageofMbonga。

Bukawaishookhishead。

"Iwillmakenomedicine，"hesaid，"untilIhavethegoatsandthematandthecopperwire。"

Momayapleadedandthreatened，butalltonoavail。

Finally，sheturnedawayandstartedoffthroughthejungletowardthevillageofMbonga。HowshecouldgetthreegoatsandasleepingmatoutofthevillageandthroughthejungletothecaveofBukawai，shedidnotknow，butthatshewoulddoitsomehowshewasquitepositive——shewoulddoitordie。Tibomustberestoredtoher。

TarzancominglazilythroughthejunglewithlittleGo-bu-balu，caughtthescentofBara，thedeer。TarzanhungeredforthefleshofBara。Naughttickledhispalatesogreatly；

buttostalkBarawithGo-bu-baluathisheels，wasoutofthequestion，sohehidthechildinthecrotchofatreewherethethickfoliagescreenedhimfromview，andsetoffswiftlyandsilentlyuponthespoorofBara。

TiboalonewasmoreterrifiedthanTiboevenamongtheapes。

Realandapparentdangersarelessdisconcertingthanthosewhichweimagine，andonlythegodsofhispeopleknewhowmuchTiboimagined。

Hehadbeenbutashorttimeinhishidingplacewhenheheardsomethingapproachingthroughthejungle。

HecrouchedclosertothelimbuponwhichhelayandprayedthatTarzanwouldreturnquickly。Hiswideeyessearchedthejungleinthedirectionofthemovingcreature。

Whatifitwasaleopardthathadcaughthisscent！Itwouldbeuponhiminaminute。HottearsflowedfromthelargeeyesoflittleTibo。Thecurtainofjunglefoliagerustledcloseathand。Thethingwasbutafewpacesfromhistree！

Hiseyesfairlypoppedfromhisblackfaceashewatchedfortheappearanceofthedreadcreaturewhichpresentlywouldthrustasnarlingcountenancefrombetweenthevinesandcreepers。

Andthenthecurtainpartedandawomansteppedintofullview。Withagaspingcry，Tibotumbledfromhisperchandracedtowardher。Momayasuddenlystartedbackandraisedherspear，butasecondlatershecastitasideandcaughtthethinbodyinherstrongarms。

Crushingittoher，shecriedandlaughedallatoneandthesametime，andhottearsofjoy，mingledwiththetearsofTibo，trickleddownthecreasebetweenhernakedbreasts。

Disturbedbythenoisesocloseathand，therearosefromhissleepinanear-bythicketNuma，thelion。

Helookedthroughthetangledunderbrushandsawtheblackwomanandheryoung。Helickedhischopsandmeasuredthedistancebetweenthemandhimself。

Ashortchargeandalongleapwouldcarryhimuponthem。

Heflickedtheendofhistailandsighed。

Avagrantbreeze，swirlingsuddenlyinthewrongdirection，carriedthescentofTarzantothesensitivenostrilsofBara，thedeer。Therewasastartledtensingofmusclesandcockingofears，asuddendash，andTarzan’smeatwasgone。Theape-manangrilyshookhisheadandturnedbacktowardthespotwherehehadleftGo-bu-balu。Hecamesoftly，aswashisway。Beforehereachedthespotheheardstrangesounds——thesoundofawomanlaughingandofawomanweeping，andthetwowhichseemedtocomefromonethroatweremingledwiththeconvulsivesobbingofachild。Tarzanhastened，andwhenTarzanhastened，onlythebirdsandthewindwentfaster。

AndasTarzanapproachedthesounds，heheardanother，adeepsigh。Momayadidnothearit，nordidTibo；

buttheearsofTarzanwereastheearsofBara，thedeer。

Heheardthesigh，andheknew，soheunloosedtheheavyspearwhichdangledathisback。Evenashespedthroughthebranchesofthetrees，withthesameeasethatyouorImighttakeoutapockethandkerchiefaswestrollednonchalantlydownalazycountrylane，TarzanoftheApestookthespearfromitsthongthatitmightbereadyagainstanyemergency。

Numa，thelion，didnotrushmadlytoattack。

Hereasonedagain，andreasontoldhimthatalreadythepreywashis，sohepushedhisgreatbulkthroughthefoliageandstoodeyeinghismeatwithbaleful，glaringeyes。

Momayasawhimandshrieked，drawingTiboclosertoherbreast。

Tohavefoundherchildandtolosehim，allinamoment！

Sheraisedherspear，throwingherhandfarbackofhershoulder。Numaroaredandsteppedslowlyforward。

Momayacastherweapon。Itgrazedthetawnyshoulder，inflictingafleshwoundwhicharousedalltheterrificbestialityofthecarnivore，andthelioncharged。

Momayatriedtoclosehereyes，butcouldnot。Shesawtheflashingswiftnessofthehuge，oncomingdeath，andthenshesawsomethingelse。Shesawamighty，nakedwhitemandropasfromtheheavensintothepathofthecharginglion。Shesawthemusclesofagreatarmflashinthelightoftheequatorialsunasitfiltered，dappling，throughthefoliageabove。Shesawaheavyhuntingspearhurtlethroughtheairtomeetthelioninmidleap。

Numabroughtupuponhishaunches，roaringterriblyandstrikingatthespearwhichprotrudedfromhisbreast。Hisgreatblowsbentandtwistedtheweapon。Tarzan，crouchingandwithhuntingknifeinhand，circledwarilyaboutthefrenziedcat。

Momaya，wide-eyed，stoodrootedtothespot，watching，fascinated。

InsuddenfuryNumahurledhimselftowardtheape-man，butthewirycreatureeludedtheblunderingcharge，side-steppingquicklyonlytorushinuponhisfoe。

Twicethehuntingbladeflashedintheair。TwiceitfelluponthebackofNuma，alreadyweakeningfromthespearpointsonearhisheart。Thesecondstrokeofthebladepiercedfarintothebeast’sspine，andwithalastconvulsivesweepofthefore-paws，inavainattempttoreachhistormentor，Numasprawledupontheground，paralyzedanddying。

Bukawai，fearfullestheshouldloseanyrecompense，followedMomayawiththeintentionofpersuadinghertopartwithherornamentsofcopperandironagainstherreturnwiththepriceofthemedicine——topay，asitwere，foranoptiononhisservicesasonepaysaretainingfeetoanattorney，for，likeanattorney，Bukawaiknewthevalueofhismedicineandthatitwaswelltocollectasmuchaspossibleinadvance。

Thewitch-doctorcameuponthesceneasTarzanleapedtomeetthelion’scharge。Hesawitallandmarveled，guessingimmediatelythatthismustbethestrangewhitedemonconcerningwhomhehadheardvaguerumorsbeforeMomayacametohim。

Momaya，nowthatthelionwaspastharmingherorhers，gazedwithnewterroruponTarzan。ItwashewhohadstolenherTibo。Doubtlesshewouldattempttostealhimagain。

Momayahuggedtheboyclosetoher。ShewasdeterminedtodiethistimeratherthansufferTibotobetakenfromheragain。

Tarzaneyedtheminsilence。Thesightoftheboyclinging，sobbing，tohismotherarousedwithinhissavagebreastamelancholyloneliness。TherewasnonethustoclingtoTarzan，whoyearnedsofortheloveofsomeone，ofsomething。

AtlastTibolookedup，becauseofthequietthathadfallenuponthejungle，andsawTarzan。Hedidnotshrink。

"Tarzan，"hesaid，inthespeechofthegreatapesofthetribeofKerchak，"donottakemefromMomaya，mymother。

Donottakemeagaintothelairofthehairy，treemen，forIfearTaugandGuntoandtheothers。LetmestaywithMomaya，OTarzan，GodoftheJungle！LetmestaywithMomaya，mymother，andtotheendofourdayswewillblessyouandputfoodbeforethegatesofthevillageofMbongathatyoumayneverhunger。"

Tarzansighed。

"Go，"hesaid，"backtothevillageofMbonga，andTarzanwillfollowtoseethatnoharmbefallsyou。"

Tibotranslatedthewordstohismother，andthetwoturnedtheirbacksupontheape-manandstartedofftowardhome。

IntheheartofMomayawasagreatfearandagreatexultation，forneverbeforehadshewalkedwithGod，andneverhadshebeensohappy。ShestrainedlittleTibotoher，strokinghisthincheek。Tarzansawandsighedagain。

"ForTeekathereisTeeka’sbalu，"hesoliloquized；

"forSabortherearebalus，andfortheshe-Gomangani，andforBara，andforManu，andevenforPamba，therat；

butforTarzantherecanbenone——neitherashenorabalu。

TarzanoftheApesisaman，anditmustbethatmanwalksalone。"

Bukawaisawthemgo，andhemumbledthroughhisrottingface，swearingagreatoaththathewouldyethavethethreefatgoats，thenewsleepingmat，andthebitofcopperwire。

6

TheWitch-DoctorSeeksVengeanceLORDGREYSTOKEwashunting，or，tobemoreaccurate，hewasshootingpheasantsatChamston-Hedding。LordGreystokewasimmaculatelyandappropriatelygarbed——totheminutestdetailhewasvogue。Tobesure，hewasamongtheforwardguns，notbeingconsideredasportingshot，butwhathelackedinskillhemorethanmadeupinappearance。Attheendofthedayhewould，doubtless，havemanybirdstohiscredit，sincehehadtwogunsandasmartloader——manymorebirdsthanhecouldeatinayear，evenhadhebeenhungry，whichhewasnot，havingbutjustarisenfromthebreakfasttable。

Thebeaters——thereweretwenty-threeofthem，inwhitesmocks——hadbutjustdriventhebirdsintoapatchofgorse，andwerenowcirclingtotheoppositesidethattheymightdrivedowntowardtheguns。LordGreystokewasquiteasexcitedasheeverpermittedhimselftobecome。

Therewasanexhilarationinthesportthatwouldnotbedenied。Hefelthisbloodtinglingthroughhisveinsasthebeatersapproachedcloserandclosertothebirds。

InavagueandstupidsortofwayLordGreystokefelt，ashealwaysfeltuponsuchoccasions，thathewasexperiencingasensationsomewhatakintoareversiontoaprehistorictype——thatthebloodofanancientforbearwascoursinghotthroughhim，ahairy，half-nakedforbearwhohadlivedbythehunt。

AndfarawayinamattedequatorialjungleanotherLordGreystoke，therealLordGreystoke，hunted。Bythestandardswhichheknew，he，too，wasvogue——utterlyvogue，aswastheprimalancestorbeforethefirsteviction。

Thedaybeingsultry，theleopardskinhadbeenleftbehind。

TherealLordGreystokehadnottwoguns，tobesure，norevenone，neitherdidhehaveasmartloader；buthepossessedsomethinginfinitelymoreefficaciousthanguns，orloaders，oreventwenty-threebeatersinwhitesmocks——hepossessedanappetite，anuncannywoodcraft，andmusclesthatwereassteelsprings。

Laterthatday，inEngland，aLordGreystokeatebountifullyofthingshehadnotkilled，andhedrankotherthingswhichwereuncorkedtotheaccompanimentofmuchnoise。

Hepattedhislipswithsnowylinentoremovethefainttracesofhisrepast，quiteignorantofthefactthathewasanimpostorandthattherightfulownerofhisnobletitlewaseventhenfinishinghisowndinnerinfar-offAfrica。

Hewasnotusingsnowylinen，though。Insteadhedrewthebackofabrownforearmandhandacrosshismouthandwipedhisbloodyfingersuponhisthighs。Thenhemovedslowlythroughthejungletothedrinkingplace，where，uponallfours，hedrankasdrankhisfellows，theotherbeastsofthejungle。

Ashequenchedhisthirst，anotherdenizenofthegloomyforestapproachedthestreamalongthepathbehindhim。

ItwasNuma，thelion，tawnyofbodyandblackofmane，scowlingandsinister，rumblingoutlow，coughingroars。

TarzanoftheApesheardhimlongbeforehecamewithinsight，buttheape-manwentonwithhisdrinkinguntilhehadhadhisfill；thenhearose，slowly，withtheeasygraceofacreatureofthewildsandallthequietdignitythatwashisbirthright。

Numahaltedashesawthemanstandingattheveryspotwherethekingwoulddrink。Hisjawswereparted，andhiscrueleyesgleamed。Hegrowledandadvancedslowly。

Themangrowled，too，backingslowlytooneside，andwatching，notthelion’sface，butitstail。

Shouldthatcommencetomovefromsidetosideinquick，nervousjerks，itwouldbewelltobeuponthealert，andshoulditrisesuddenlyerect，straightandstiff，thenonemightpreparetofightorflee；butitdidneither，soTarzanmerelybackedawayandthelioncamedownanddrankscarcefiftyfeetfromwherethemanstood。

Tomorrowtheymightbeatoneanother’sthroats，buttodaythereexistedoneofthosestrangeandinexplicabletruceswhichsooftenareseenamongthesavageonesofthejungle。

BeforeNumahadfinisheddrinking，Tarzanhadreturnedintotheforest，andwasswingingawayinthedirectionofthevillageofMbonga，theblackchief。

Ithadbeenatleastamoonsincetheape-manhadcalledupontheGomangani。NotsincehehadrestoredlittleTibotohisgrief-strickenmotherhadthewhimseizedhimtodoso。

TheincidentoftheadoptedbaluwasaclosedonetoTarzan。

HehadsoughttofindsomethinguponwhichtolavishsuchanaffectionasTeekalavisheduponherbalu，butashortexperienceofthelittleblackboyhadmadeitquiteplaintotheape-manthatnosuchsentimentcouldexistbetweenthem。

ThefactthathehadforatimetreatedthelittleblackashemighthavetreatedarealbaluofhisownhadinnowayalteredthevengefulsentimentswithwhichheconsideredthemurderersofKala。TheGomanganiwerehisdeadlyenemies，norcouldtheyeverbeaughtelse。