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Do you think cavalry could reach the valley?" asked the colonel.

No," replied Thompson, "the country is all cut up with these deep gorges. Even

infantry would have a devil of a time of it, and there is absolutely no water that I

could discover for at least a two days' march."

It was at this juncture that a big Vauxhall drew up in front of the headquarters of

the Second Rhodesians and a moment later General Smuts alighted and entered.

Colonel Capell arose from his chair and saluted his superior, and the young

lieutenant saluted and stood at attention.

I was passing," said the general, "and I thought I would stop for a chat. By the

way, how is the search for Lieutenant Smith-Oldwick progressing? I see

Thompson here and I believe he was one of those detailed to the search."

"Yes," said Capell, "he was. He is the last to come in. He found the lieutenant's

ship," and then he repeated what Lieutenant Thompson had reported to him. The

general sat down at the table with Colonel Capell, and together the two officers,

with the assistance of the flier, marked the approximate location of the city which

Thompson had reported he'd discovered.

"It's a mighty rough country," remarked Smuts, "but we can't leave a stone

unturned until we have exhausted every resource to find that boy. We will send

out a small force; a small one will be more likely to succeed than a large one.

About one company, Colonel, or say two, with sufficient motor lorries for

transport of rations and water. Put a good man in command and let him establish

a base as far to the west as the motors can travel. You can leave one company

there and send the other forward. I am inclined to believe you can establish your

base within a day's march of the city and if such is the case the force you send

ahead should have no trouble on the score of lack of water as there certainly

must be water in the valley where the city lies. Detail a couple of planes for

reconnaissance and messenger service so that the base can keep in touch at all

times with the advance party. When can your force move out?"

"We can load the lorries tonight," replied Capell, "and march about one o'clock

tomorrow morning."

Good," said the general, "keep me advised," and returning the others' salutes he

departed.

As Tarzan leaped for the vines he realized that the lion was close upon him and

that his life depended upon the strength of the creepers clinging to the city walls;

but to his intense relief he found the stems as large around as a man's arm, and

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Tarzan the Untamed