20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
1 | 61 | 121 | 182 | 242 |
www.freeclassicebooks.com
stood so concealed in a clump of bushes that he could watch the interior of the
room without being seen from within, while he was at the same time hidden from
the view of anyone who might chance to pass along the post of the sentinel he
had slain. Momentarily he was expecting a patrol or a relief to appear and
discover that the sentinel was missing, when he knew an immediate and
thorough search would be made.
Impatiently he awaited the coming of the man he sought and at last he was
rewarded by the reappearance of the aide who had been dispatched to fetch him
accompanied by an officer of medium size with fierce, upstanding mustaches. The
newcomer strode to the table, halted and saluted, reporting. The general
acknowledged the salute and turned toward the girl.
"Fraulein Kircher," he said, "allow me to present Major Schneider--"
Tarzan waited to hear no more. Placing a palm upon the sill of the window he
vaulted into the room into the midst of an astounded company of the Kaiser's
officers. With a stride he was at the table and with a sweep of his hand sent the
lamp crashing into the fat belly of the general who, in his mad effort to escape
cremation, fell over backward, chair and all, upon the floor. Two of the aides
sprang for the ape-man who picked up the first and flung him in the face of the
other. The girl had leaped from her chair and stood flattened against the wall.
The other officers were calling aloud for the guard and for help. Tarzan's purpose
centered upon but a single individual and him he never lost sight of. Freed from
attack for an instant he seized Major Schneider, threw him over his shoulder and
was out of the window so quickly that the astonished assemblage could scarce
realize what had occurred.
A single glance showed him that the sentinel's post was still vacant and a
moment later he and his burden were in the shadows of the hay dump. Major
Schneider had made no outcry for the very excellent reason that his wind was
shut off. Now Tarzan released his grasp enough to permit the man to breathe.
"If you make a sound you will be choked again," he said.
Cautiously and after infinite patience Tarzan passed the final outpost. Forcing his
captive to walk before him he pushed on toward the west until, late into the
night, he re-crossed the railway where he felt reasonably safe from discovery. The
German had cursed and grumbled and threatened and asked questions; but his
only reply was another prod from Tarzan's sharp war spear. The ape-man herded
him along as he would have driven a hog with the difference that he would have
had more respect and therefore more consideration for a hog.
2
2
Page
Quick Jump
|