Argosy All-Story Weekly, March 15, 1924 — page 151: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

780 mount, and, behind, the enemy was gaining. They were Veltoptismakusians—they were close enough now for the devices upon their helmets to be seen—and- they had recog- nized their quarry for they cried aloud upon them to stop, calling several of them by name. One of the pursuers forged further ahead than the others. He came now close behind Zoanthrohago, who rode neck-and neck with Tarzan in the rear of their party. A half length ahead of Zoanthrohago was Janzara. The fellow called aloud to her. “Princess!” he cried. ©“ The king’s par- don for you ail if you return the slaves to us. Surrender and all will’ be forgiven.” Tarzan, of the Apes heard and he won- dered what the Veltoptismakusians would cdo. It must have been a great temptation, - and he knew it. Had-it not been for Talas- kar he would have advised them to fall back - among their friends, but he would not see the-slave girl sacrificed. He drew is sword then and dropped. back besid@ Zoanthro- hago, although the other never guessed his purpose. “Surrender and all will be forgiven!” shouted the pursuer again. “Never!” cried Zoanthrohago. ““ Never!” echoed Janzara. ? “The consequences are yours,” cried the messenger, and on they rushed, pursuers and pursued, toward the dark forest, while from just within its rim savage eyes watched the mad race and red tongues licked hun- gry lips in anticipation. Tarzan had been glad to hear’the reply given by both Zoanthrohago and Janzara whom he had found likable companions and good comrades. Janzara’s whole at- titude had changed since the very instant she had joined them in their attempted escape. No lor’*r was she the spoiled daughter ofa despot, but a woman seeking happiness through the new love that she had found, or the old Jove that she had but just dis- covered, for she often told Zoanthrohago that she knew now that she always had loved him. And this new thing in her life made her more considerate and loving of others. She seemed now to be trying to make ~, | \ ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY, . up to Talaskar for the cruelty of her at- tack upon her when she had first seen her. would have taken him as her prince to spite her father, whom she hated. ‘Her mad infatuation for Tarzan she now - knew in its true light—because she had - been refused him she wanted him, and she Komodoflorensal and Jalaskar always - rode together, but no words of love did the Trohanadalmakusian speak in the ear of the little slave girl, A great resolve was crystal- lizing in his mind, but it had as yet taken on no definite form. And Talaskar, happy just to be near him, rode blissfully through the first days of the only freedom she had ever known, but now all was forgotten ex- cept the instant danger of capture and its alternative concomitants, death or slavery. The six urged their: straining mounts ahead. The forest was so near now. Ah, if they could but reach it! There, one warrior might be as good as three-and the odds against them would be reduced, for ~ in the forest the whole twelve could not engage them at once and. by careful maneu- vering they doubtless could separate their pursuers. ae They were going to make it! A great shout arose to the lips of Oratharc as his diadet leaped into the shadows of the first trees, and the others took it up, for a brief instant, and then it died upon their. lips as they saw a giant hand reach down and snatch Oratharc from his saddle. They tried to stop and wheel their mounts, but it was too late. | Already they were in the forest and all about them was a horde of the hideous Zer- talocolols. One by one they were snatched from their diadets, while their pursuers, who must have seen. what was taking place just inside the forest, wheeled and ‘galloped away. Talaskar, writhing in the grip of .a she Alali, turned toward Komodoflorensal. ‘é Good-by!” she cried. “This, at last, is the end, but I can die near you and so I am happier dying than I have been liv- ing until you came to Veltoptismakus.” “ Good-by, .Talaskar!’’ he replied. “ Liv- ing I dared not tell you, but dying I can proclaim my love. Tell me that you love me.” sh COMmiicbdoo S C@ nn